Industry Extension Specialist II

University of Kentucky; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 53,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky Paducah Campus seeks an Industry Extension Specialist II to support Laser and Photonics Engineering education. This instructional lab manager will lead hands-on laboratory learning, develop materials, and manage facilities to ensure safe operations and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include equipment purchasing, inventory, and outreach activities. The role requires an MS in Laser & Photonics or closely related field; an MS is preferred, with a BA as minimum.

Qualifications

• MS in Laser and Photonics Engineering or closely related field.
• Strong teaching or lab management experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Laser and Photonics Engineering with hands-on labs.
• Develop and manage lab instructional materials and activities.
• Ensure safe operations and regulatory compliance in labs.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, maintenance of laser and photonics equipment.
• Engage in K–12 and community outreach on campus.

Skills

Laser & Photonics

Communication

Education

BA

MS in Laser & Photonics

Job description

Industry Extension Specialist II

Requisition Number | RE56023

Working Title | Instructional Lab Manager

Department Name | 8H090:OISTL/Engineering Distance Learning

Work Location | Paducah, KY

Grade Level | 46

Salary Range | $53,061-87,526/year

Type of Position | Staff

Position Time Status | Full-Time

Required Education | BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies: | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience | More than six months, but less than one year

Required License/Registration/Certification | None

Physical Requirements | none

Shift | Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? | No

Deadline to Apply | 11/01/2026

Job Summary

The individual will support the educational missions at the University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering Paducah Campus, with primary responsibilities in instruction and laboratory development in Laser and Photonics Engineering Technology.Duties include, but are not limited to: Teaching undergraduate-level courses in Laser and Photonics Engineering and Technology, with an emphasis on hands-on, laboratory-based learning. Developing laboratory instructional materials and activities, and managing laboratory facilities to ensure safe operations and compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Managing the purchasing, inventory, maintenance, and organization of equipment, supplies, and materials associated with the laser and photonics laboratories. Participating in K–12, industry, and community outreach programs and activities hosted on campus.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Applicants should demonstrate strong technical expertise in Laser and Photonics Engineering, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Education/Experience

Applicants should hold an MS degree in Laser and Photonics Engineering or a closely related field. Candidates without an MS degree but with extensive relevant industrial experience will also be considered.

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.