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SalaryPosition Summary
Oversees the undergraduate Physics Laboratory Program, including the introductory, upper-level, and advanced laboratories. Works closely with the faculty to develop and implement a holistic approach to the undergraduate laboratory sequence and provide continuity between courses. Utilizes a programmatic approach to labs at all levels and considers experimental design at the appropriate difficulty and level, course policies and procedures, collaboration between faculty and staff, and the overall day-to-day effectiveness of labs. Interfaces with the personnel running the large introductory physics laboratories.
Provides classroom instruction in both upper-level and introductory labs; applying current physics pedagogy to design, test, and implement new experiments for labs at all levels; training and supervising the lab teaching team, including staff members and graduate students; and facilitating the day-to-day operation of the upper-level labs. Works and thinks independently, as well as collaborates effectively as part of a team.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Upper Level Labs
- Assist faculty with in-lab instruction of one advanced physics course per semester (Biophysics and Physics Measurement labs).
- Manage four advanced lab courses. (Optics, Electronics, Physical Measurements, and Biophysics labs).
- Maintain all experiments.
- Monitor and maintain all equipment.
- Collaborate closely with faculty to modify existing experiments and develop new ones.
- Write new and update existing manuals for experiments.
- Coordinate and maintain lab computers with department IT.
- Set up and take down lab experiments in shared spaces.
- Provide course support, including maintaining course materials and assignments in the LMS and associated educational tools.
Introductory Labs
- Supervise the lab teaching staff and assistants in instruction.
- Provide in-lab instruction for one introductory physics lab per semester (Fall and Spring).
- Collaborate with the introductory lab manager to ensure the introductory labs run effectively year-round.
- Develop new lab experiments and modify current ones.
- Write new and update existing manuals for experiments.
- Update the lab format and policies as necessary to provide a constructive and holistic experience for students, including potential physics majors.
- Train the lab teaching team (including staff and graduate students) to effectively teach inquiry-based lab experiments.
- Address student-related concerns, questions, and issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in experimental Physics.
- Five or more years’ experience in Advanced Lab instruction.
- Eight or more years’ experience in experiment design and implementation.
- Three or more years’ experience in project management/people management.
- Analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks in diverse environments.
- Excellent skills related to written and verbal communication, organization, and problem solving.
- Ability to creatively design, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment for all levels of undergraduate physics labs
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Highly organized with good time management skills. These skills are essential to be able to prioritize a multifaceted workload and handle a variety of responsibilities in a calm and flexible manner.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally and courteously, in a team environment, with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators.
- Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of current teaching methods and pedagogy.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physics.
- Five or more years’ experience in university physics lab.
- Three or more years’ experience in instruction.
- Two or more years’ management experience.
