Skip to main content

Tech Crew

The Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) Undergraduate Tech Crew is a unique and immersive program that provides Vanderbilt undergraduates an opportunity to work on research projects in cutting edge areas of nanoscience and nanoengineering. This experience provides technical skills that few students applying for graduate school or industrial employment have.  Tech Crew members are critical to the VINSE research, education and outreach missions.  Participants work directly with VINSE staff on cleanroom projects and activities critical to daily operations that help expand the process capabilities and knowledge base available to researchers. 

VINSE offers four summer fellowships and several hourly positions during the academic year.  Nearly 90% of the participants continue to work at VINSE throughout the remainder of their undergraduate years at Vanderbilt.  Tech Crew members develop familiarity operating complex tools and performing nanofabrication and characterization processes to assist with the development of new processes and techniques of research interest.

Want to hear directly from members of our crew?  Watch this short video to learn more.

Summer Tech Crew

10-week internship in the VINSE cleanroom with a roll over academic year position.

What’s in it for me?

  • Extensive hands on laboratory experience
  • Develop skills relevant in academia and industry
  • $7000 stipend
  • Paid Vanderbilt housing
  • Interaction with the VINSE REU program social activities
  • Professional development sessions
  • Trip to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • End of summer poster presentation with several summer programs across campus

Am I eligible?

  • Yes, there are no eligibility requirements
  • Current freshman and sophomores preferred
  • Science and engineering majors preferred
Apply for Summer 2024 
Application Deadline: February 15

Academic Year Tech Crew

Academic year tech crew members staff the VINSE core laboratories during the designated after-hours shifts and during selected day shifts to assist staff on projects in the cleanroom. Accompany authorized users in the laboratories, perform minor technical duties, and call for assistance in the event of laboratory emergencies.

What's in it for me?

  • Competitive pay
  • Flexible hours
  • Develop skills relevant in academia and industry
  • Help maintain the cleanroom and its equipment
  • Obtain qualification on cleanroom equipment to assist cleanroom users
 Application details can be found here.