The mission of the KNI Superuser program is to leverage the combined knowledge and expertise from our Lab's senior researchers to support the broader user base and the overarching operations of the cleanroom. A "superuser" is a person with an advanced technical skill set in one or more core areas of the Lab and someone who exercises a high degree of responsibility and effective leadership among peers.
The intended result is that new and current users will receive hands-on guidance from colleagues, and therefore reduce user errors on tools, minimize down-time, and increase the avenues to resources information.
Additionally, KNI superusers will gain further technical expertise on systems and have the opportunity to develop off-standard recipe experience.
![nurturing nanoscience grey image](https://divisions-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/kni/images/Nurturing-Nanoscience.2e16d0ba.fill-544x250-c100.jpg)
Job Description
Superusers will serve as a resource to designated tools, lab users, and assist staff with knowledge sharing, new user training, and/or tool maintenance or troubleshooting.
Equally important, superusers will identify core needs and key challenges in their respective lab areas. Superusers are expected to survey users of their lab areas to uncover common pain points and other needs for improvement.
Superusers will have direct access to KNI staff and leadership to present their findings and their feedback will be strongly weighed for consideration when opportunities for change are available.
Superusers will report to and be under the supervision of the Associate Director of Technical Operations.
Job responsibilities and requirements:
- Maintain up to date technical knowledge on designated tool(s)
- Train users (initial session or subsequent sessions) to meet operator expectations
- Record and communicate user training sessions through proper channels
- Assist with tool maintenance on an as needed basis
- Host 1+ user group meeting/survey per year to understand user needs & issues
- Actively communicate, collaborate, and problem solve with staff on relevant issues
- Possess general application/process knowledge on system applications to help guide user questions, i.e. 2d devices or optical cavities on EBPGs; EDS or lithography on Nova 600
Selection Process
First step: complete the KNI Superuser nomination form. All active KNI lab users may nominate peers or self-nominate. In addition, KNI will solicit nominations from faculty and staff on an annual basis. Internal reviews may KNI may request an applicant to demonstrate technical capability as part of the review process.
Upon agreement to serve as a superuser of the KNI Lab and carry out the position's responsibilities a timely and professional manner, a superuser will be appointed upon completion of the Superuser Agreement form, which requires approval by the superuser, their advisor/supervisor, and the cognizant KNI staff member.
Should issues arise, the PI/supervisor are encouraged to contact KNI leadership to address the problem and discuss a reasonable, timely solution.
Time Commitment
Each superusers is expected to spend approximately 8 hours per month in this role. Actual active time will vary and will be dependent upon factors such as: volume of new user training requests, instrument condition, and research needs/opportunities.
Each superuser will serve a one year (12 month) initial term with the opportunity to renew at the end of the year.
Compensation and Benefits
For dedicating valuable time and effort to support the KNI Lab and its users, each superuser will receive $4,000/year as supplemental, taxable income, so long as the minimum expected hours are met each month.
Along with financial compensation superusers will be granted the ability to book certain tools in advance of the standard booking windows. This includes but is not limited to: one reservation on the EBPG systems, up to 14 days in advance, each calendar week.
Questions? Contact kni@caltech.edu