The Operations Model of the Birck Nanotechnology Center

The Birck Nanotechnology Center in Discovery Park at Purdue University is a multiuser facility with a large ISO 3/4/5 clean room and specialized laboratory facilities. With users from many schools and departments as well as outside academic and industrial users, the operations model must support a wide variety of needs. The BNC model utilizes a "triumvirate" model of laboratory management, and a Process and Equipment Owner concept of equipment staffing. The overall model minimizes the concept of laboratory ownership and promotes accountability within the staff for equipment operations. The pros and cons of this model will be discussed.