Physics - Laboratory Assistant

Job Title: Laboratory Assistant

Department: Physics

Supervisor: Will Frondorf

Starting Rate of Pay: $10 /hour

Length of Time: Eligible for rehire on a semester basis.

Department Description

We seek to be innovative, creative, and effective in our approach to preparing students for their next steps into a successful graduate program or career in a diversity of fields. With a focus on undergraduate research, mentoring, and effective teaching, we work to build a strong community among students, whereby they support one another, work in teams, and find strong relational connections. It is the combination of these factors, along with outstanding faculty, that makes us strong. Students employed by the department in this position will gain skills associated with leadership and teaching laboratories, and will enhance their skills in critical thinking, problem solving, organization, and communication.

Job Description

Students are needed to assist with the department’s introductory level physics laboratories. The lab assistant will have two main responsibilities. The lab assistant will aid the lab manager with introductory physics lab equipment, resetting labs between sections, in addition to other laboratory tasks to help maintain the efficiency of the laboratory. The lab assistant will also aid the faculty during the PHY 2020 physics labs by addressing student questions to help students understand lab procedures and associated physics concepts.

Job Location/Hours Required

The candidate will perform job duties in the Wanek School of Natural Sciences. Hours will be before, during, and after the introductory level labs on Thursdays to prepare and put away lab equipment and to aid students during these labs. Hours may vary depending on lab section times; however, the maximum number of hours a student employee may work across campus is 20 hours per week. This position requires at least 2 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

·         Aid physics lab manager in laboratory with equipment setup, reset, and tear down

·         Aid physics faculty in laboratory setting

·         Ensure safety of students in lab

·         Address student questions regarding lab procedures and concepts

·         Other miscellaneous laboratory duties as assigned by faculty and lab manager

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have completed and passed PHY 2010. A recommendation from a physics faculty member is also required.

Desired Skills:

·         Experience working in a lab environment

·         Excellent communication and organization skills