Lab Instructor, Physics

Boise State University; Idaho; On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-month contract

12-month pay spread

Tuition waiver benefits for employees

Retirement fund contribution

Job summary

Boise State University’s Department of Physics invites applications for a Lab Instructor to deliver multiple introductory physics laboratory sections and assist with course materials. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and student engagement in a dynamic STEM education setting on campus in Idaho.

The position is a 9-month contract with pay spread over 12 months and includes comprehensive benefits such as retirement contributions and tuition waivers. The applicant should have a B.S.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Physics with substantial college/university teaching experience in physics labs.
• Hands-on experience conducting experiments in introductory physics laboratories and proficiency with standard physics lab equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with students and excellent physics teaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach multiple introductory physics laboratory sections and support lab and course instruction.
• Accommodate a teaching schedule that may vary by semester, including early morning and late evening labs.
• Provide expert, reliable delivery of the curriculum and maintain lab safety and grading rubrics.
• Manage grading of lab reports and maintain course sites for posting grades.
• Collaborate on writing/edits of lab manuals and support other teaching tasks.

Skills

Lab safety

Physics labs

Interpersonal skills

Education

B.S. in Physics

Teaching experience

Tools

General lab equipment

Job description

The Department of Physics at Boise State University is dedicated to delivering dynamic, student-centered STEM education in the heart of the Treasure Valley. The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Physics with specialized emphases in Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Biophysics, and Secondary Education, alongside participation in interdisciplinary graduate programs.

We prioritize active, evidence-based teaching practices that engage a diverse student body and foster strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Backed by dedicated campus resources like Boise State’s Center for Teaching and Learning, our faculty work collaboratively to maintain high instructional standards, advance pedagogical innovation, and support student success in every classroom.

Please note: this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

About Boise State:

Boise State University is a powerhouse of creativity, research, and impact. Our campus sits along the Boise River and reaches into the heart of Idaho’s capital – a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and outdoor adventure. We’re nationally recognized for trailblazing research, student success, and community impact.

Our faculty are scholars, mentors, and changemakers who advance ideas, discoveries, and the next generation of leaders. Boise offers the perfect backdrop – a welcoming city with a thriving arts scene, growing tech sector, and mountains on the horizon. Join us and help shape a bold, collaborative academic community.

Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise.

Essential Functions:

80% of Time the Physics Lab Instructor must:

• Teach multiple introductory physics laboratory sections

• Support lab and course instruction as needed (such as writing and editing lab manuals)

• Accommodate a teaching schedule that may vary by semester; lab instructor is expected to be available Monday through Friday, and be available to teach labs that can start as early as 7:30am and labs that could end as late as 10:15pm

• Provide expert, reliable, high-quality delivery of the curriculum as instructed

• Teaching duties include a brief discussion of lab safety, lab procedures, and lab equipment to be used

• Responsible for prompt grading of all submitted lab reports and the maintenance of course sites for posting grades

• Expected to follow an agreed-upon grading rubric for each course

Additional Job Duties (20%):

This position also requires taking on tasks and projects related to physics lab instruction, which may include additional teaching, assisting with the writing of instructional physics laboratories, proposing new equipment purchases, or providing assistance or guidance to inexperienced lab instructors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Planning and organization

• Attention to detail

• Expert-level working knowledge of general and upper-level undergraduate physics

• Lab skills for all techniques that may be used/taught in physics labs

• General laboratory equipment skills

• Ability to enforce the safety rules

• Effective and highly rated teaching of physics labs

• Ability to engage proactively with students and handle student issues that may arise in the lab

Minimum qualifications:

• B.S. in Physics and substantial college/university experience in teaching physics labs with evidence of strong teaching performance

• Requires hands-on experience conducting experiments in introductory physics laboratories and proficiency with standard physics lab equipment.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with students, and excellent physics teaching skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience teaching a variety of introductory physics labs

• Training in teaching pedagogies and classroom teaching experience a plus

Required application materials:

• Cover letter

• Resume or CV

• Teaching philosophy statement

• Contact information for three professional references

Closing Date:

Position will close for new applicants on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary for this position is $40,414

Our standard faculty contract is a 9-month contract with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract.

Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages

• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

• Dual Career Assistance Support for spouses and partners.

• See our full benefits page for more information