Physics Laboratory Supervisor/Instructional Assistant

SUNY Brockport; Village of Brockport (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

SUNY Brockport is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor/Instructional Assistant in the Physics Department to oversee and teach introductory physics and astronomy labs, maintain teaching labs, and collaborate with faculty to improve experiments.

The role includes coordinating equipment, troubleshooting activities, leading lab sections, supervising student assistants, and handling procurement, testing, and maintenance of lab gear.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics or closely related field by time of appointment.
• One year of experience working in a teaching and/or research laboratory environment in physics or a closely related field.
• Prior teaching experience as instructor of record is preferred.
• Experience with SciDome planetarium equipment and software.

Responsibilities

• Attends and teaches up to three laboratory sections or two laboratory sections and one 3-credit course per semester, nine contact hours.
• Facilitates assembly, calibration, testing, maintenance, purchasing, and repair of scientific equipment used in student laboratories.
• Sets up introductory physics and astronomy laboratories.
• Serves as the lead for introductory laboratories, particularly with student assistants and multiple instructors.
• Supervises undergraduate student teaching assistants.
• Designs and develops new experiments and demonstrations in line with current physics pedagogy.
• Organizes teaching laboratory spaces within the department.
• Coordinates repairs and related activities with facilities IT and shipping/receiving staff.
• Assists with planetarium computers and software maintenance and with developing planetarium programs.

Skills

Teaching labs supervision

Equipment maintenance

Lab coordination

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in physics

Tools

SciDome planetarium equipment

Job description

SUNY Brockport is accepting applications for a Laboratory Supervisor/Instructional Assistant in the Department of Physics. The ideal candidate will have the background and enthusiasm necessary to oversee and teach introductory physics and astronomy labs, maintain the organization of the teaching labs, and work with faculty to improve lab experiments. The Lab Supervisor/Instructional Assistant will be aware of the content of our laboratory courses on a weekly basis, will be actively involved in organizing equipment, will troubleshoot laboratory activities, and will teach lab sections or courses. They will perform a variety of technical tasks related to physics laboratory operations, including the procurement, testing, and maintenance of scientific equipment. They will also be responsible for inventorying equipment and supplies, and making recommendations for purchases necessary to facilitate teaching and research objectives. The Lab Supervisor/Instructional Assistant will have the opportunity to support and engage with Physics faculty and students in educational and research activities. This is a temporary, one-year professional position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date for this position is January 2027.

Essential Functions:

• Attends and teaches up to three laboratory sections or two laboratory sections and one 3-credit course per semester in the Physics Department, as determined by the department chairperson, representing nine contact hours.
• Facilitates the assembly, calibration, testing, maintenance, purchasing, and repair of scientific equipment used in student laboratories.
• Sets up introductory physics and astronomy laboratories.
• Serves as the lead for introductory laboratories, particularly when the course involves student assistants and/or multiple instructors.
• Supervises undergraduate student teaching assistants.
• Designs and develops new experiments and demonstrations in accordance with current physics pedagogy.
• Organizes all teaching laboratory spaces within the department.
• Coordinates or performs necessary repairs.
• Assists faculty with tasks related to the effective operation of science facilities including coordinating with:
  • Facilities staff in relation to mechanical, electrical, and space requirements or issues.
  • Campus IT staff in maintaining and enhancing department computing capabilities; and with appropriate personnel in relation.
  • Shipping and receiving for departmental orders and deliveries.
• Assists with the maintenance of planetarium computers and software, as well as the development and presentation of planetarium programs.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Assists with specific research activities of faculty when needed.
• Participates in department activities and functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in physics or closely related field by time of appointment from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an internationally recognized college or university
• One year of experience working in a teaching and/or research laboratory environment in physics or a closely related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior teaching experience as the instructor of record
• Experience with SciDome planetarium equipment and software

Work Schedule:

37.5 hours/week: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm.

Benefits:

This position is benefits eligible. Find out more about benefits at Careers@Brockport.