SCIPP Laboratory Assembly Technician

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 08-14-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Santa Cruz Institute of Particle Physics (SCIPP, https://scipp.science.ucsc.edu) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a pioneer in the development of silicon-based electronic detectors for elementary particle physics and other fields of science.

More information can be found at: https://scipp.science.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the academic staff, the Staff Research Associate (Laboratory Assembly Technician) will join the team assembling detector components for the High-Luminosity Upgrade of the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland. The work will be performed in a clean room on the UCSC main campus. The Laboratory Assembly Technician assembles electronic hybrids and modules using robotic gluing systems and precision tooling, makes electrical connections of hybrid and modules with thin wires using automatic wire-bonding machines, and performs mechanical quality control measurements, including visual inspections, weighing, pull testing and metrology. The Laboratory Assembly Technician maintains the laboratory infrastructure, equipment and tooling, and provides assistance in the reception of components and the shipment of completed modules. Applicants with experience as a laboratory technician in a laboratory setting and/or scientific or engineering based education are strongly encouraged to apply. On-the-job training will be provided to develop these required skills, if needed. Development of new skills and areas of expertise to progress professional development is supported and encouraged.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $28.98/hour.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: RX Union

Job Code Classification: 009617 (SRA 2 NEX)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

25% - Hybrid & Module Assembly

• Hybrid Assembly: Attaches custom ASICs to hybrid circuits using robotic gluing systems and precision tooling.
• Module Assembly: Attaches hybrid circuits to sensors using robotic gluing systems and precision tooling.
• Mixes epoxy.
• Enters data into database system.
• Adapts and modifies assembly process, including modification of robot program to adjust for changes in environmental conditions, component batches and new versions.
• Provides feedback on the assembly process.

25% - Hybrid & Module Wire-Bonding

• Hybrid Wire-bonding: Makes electrical connections between hybrid circuits, panels and custom ASICs with thin wires through the use of highly specialized wire bonding technique.
• Module Wire-bonding: Makes electrical connections between silicon sensors, custom ASICs and module frames with thin wires through the use of highly specialized wire bonding technique.
• Performs bonding equipment tool changes, wire changes, machine calibration, quality assurance checks.
• Independently assesses the quality of wire bonding based on real-time diagnostics, adjusting parameters where required in order to meet high quality specified. When not addressable by incremental changes, assesses changes to components, their cleanliness, or their support or machine parameters to return to the required quality.

20% - Hybrid & Module Quality Control

• Performs visual inspections of incoming components and completed hybrid and module assemblies with microscopes and cameras. When issues are detected, determines corrective course of action to prevent future issues and communicates issues and solutions to team.
• Performs wire-bond pull testing of incoming components and completed hybrid and module assemblies. Analyzes results. If out of specification, determines cause and modifies bonding, handling, and/or cleanliness of components.
• Weighs glue and completed hybrids and modules. If out of specification, provides feedback on results and adjusts gluing procedure accordingly.
• Performs measurements of assembly positional accuracy with metrology systems and microscopes, and analyzes results.
• Independently identifies issues as they arise and assists in troubleshooting procedures, lab equipment, machinery, and systems.
• Enters results into database system.

10% - Logistics

• Receives components from international partners and prepares them for use in the laboratory.
• Prepares completed components for shipment to other laboratories (as needed).
• Completes required database interactions for these shipments/receptions of parts.

10% - Laboratory Operations & Equipment Maintenance

• Maintains SCIPP assembly lab facilities by keeping maintenance schedules, and stocking inventory of consumable supplies.
• Monitors performance and service laboratory equipment as required.
• Maintains and calibrates custom tooling used in ATLAS upgrade project.
• Participates in necessary upgrades of laboratory facilities and equipment as necessary.

10% - Reporting/Presentation

• Compiles summaries of work and issues seen for use at local, national and international meetings.
• Presents outcomes of work and issues seen at local meetings.
• Occasional presentation of work and issues seen at national and international meetings.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering and / or equivalent experience and a more specialized knowledge of the principles of modern laboratory.
• Knowledge of the general principles of science or engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately on detailed projects.
• Experience working cooperatively as a part of a team.
• Ability to carry out repetitive procedures while paying close attention to detail.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain organized records

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Science or Engineering.
• Experience using hand and machine tools, and test equipment.
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting and performing routine repairs of laboratory equipment.
• Experience handling small and fragile components.
• Basic computer skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in laboratory skills including accurate weighing, mixing and microscope inspection

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work in a clean room environment. Ability to work with chemicals, high-voltage tools, UV light, and motion stages.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.