Lab Manager and Experimental Technical Support Staff

**Lab Manager and Experimental Technical Support Staff** ======================================================== #### **20%-40%, Zurich, fixed-term** At the IDEAL Lab, we develop algorithms and computational models that design physical hardware and validate those designs via physical experiments. We have a growing physical foot that includes 3D ers, a custom foam cutter, several robotic arms (UR5e), and a variety of small mechatronic test rigs that change depending on the project. We also have a large teaching profile with ~20-30 Bachelor's and Master's students joining the lab each semester for various projects, a subset of which involve robotics or mechatronics-related experiments. **Project background** ---------------------- We are looking for a part-time technical staff member to act as a Lab Manager and/or coordinating technician, depending on the skillset of the person. The specific roles and responsibilities of this person — and the amount of time/effort required from them — would depend on what they could do based on their experience or desire for future training/growth. The core task would be basic lab operations and safety, as mentioned below — anticipated ~20% time — with an optional/desired role for additional time being the engineering and student support — initially anticipated at 20% time, however, this has the option to grow in the future depending on the skills, usefulness, and desires of the specific candidate. **Job description** ------------------- **Basic Lab Operations and Safety (~20% time):** * Act as the General Safety Representative for the lab. Train incoming students/staff on safety rules and how to use shared equipment (trainings occur 3-4 times per year for 1-2 hours). Update the safety concept, e.g., once per year or as needed. * Keep the lab spaces operational, such as managing inventory, handling purchase requests for supplies, retrieving packages as needed, and working with students to ensure workstations are kept clean and organized. Coordinate the once-a-year lab cleaning day with staff. Coordinate with staff and students on the maintenance and use of shared equipment such as the 3D* ers, robots, and hand tools, as well as repairs when things break, as per the safety concept. This can include delegating tasks to existing staff if appropriate. * Act as a point of contact for student questions about where equipment or supplies are located in the lab space. Generally share personal knowledge and maintain personal relationships. Guide students toward other ETH resources (like other technical workshops or facilities) outside of our immediate lab’s perimeter when they have specific questions/needs (e.g., ETH TechPool, off-site laser cutters, Instron machines, etc.). * Attend any occasional lab operational meetings with the PI and other staff, or lab retreats as desired, although not recurring lab meetings (unless desired). **Engineering and Student Support (~20% time):** * Where appropriate, support resear