Physics Teaching Laboratory Advisor

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology seeks an experienced experimental physics laboratory professional to provide transitional support during the fall term. The role assists onboarding, supports undergraduate and graduate labs, and helps maintain equipment, software, and procedures.

Candidates should have strong technical knowledge, teaching experience and familiarity with advanced lab operations, with a preference for PhD-level experience in physics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics or related field or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience supporting college-level experimental physics instruction and lab operations.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair lab equipment, electronics and DAQ systems.

Responsibilities

• Train and onboard the incoming laboratory manager on operations and procedures.
• Provide instructional and technical support for undergraduate and graduate labs.
• Maintain and troubleshoot equipment, electronics and data-acquisition systems.
• Update instructional materials, documentation, and procedures as needed.
• Advise and mentor teaching assistants and staff during the transition.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication

Troubleshooting

Data acquisition systems

Equipment handling

Education

Master's degree in physics or related field

PhD in physics (preferred)

Tools

Electronics repair

Laboratory instrumentation

Lab equipment maintenance

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Caltech seeks an experienced experimental physics laboratory professional to provide transitional support during the fall term. The position will assist with onboarding the current laboratory manager, provide instructional and technical support for physics laboratory courses, and help maintain laboratory equipment, software, documentation, and established procedures. The role requires strong technical knowledge, teaching experience, and familiarity with advanced experimental physics laboratory operations.

Essential Job Duties

• Train and onboard the incoming laboratory manager on physics teaching laboratory operations, equipment, course requirements, and established procedures.
• Provide instructional and technical support for undergraduate and graduate experimental physics laboratory courses.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, instrumentation, electronics, and data-acquisition systems.
• Update instructional materials, technical documentation, and operating procedures as needed.
• Advise and mentor teaching assistants and laboratory staff during the transition.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics, applied physics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Extensive experience supporting college-level experimental physics instruction and laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair scientific equipment, electronics, and data-acquisition systems.
• Strong communication, teaching, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to safely move laboratory equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, or a related field.
• Prior experience managing undergraduate physics teaching laboratories.
• Experience developing instructional experiments, laboratory materials, and data-analysis tools.
• Familiarity with the Institute's physics laboratory courses, equipment, systems, and safety practices.
• Experience training laboratory staff and supporting the transition of operational responsibilities.

Required Documents

• CV.

Hiring Range

$45.75 - $57.00 per hour The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].