WS - Physics Lab Teaching Assistant - FWS

University of Pikeville; Pikeville (KY); On-site; USD 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Pikeville Physics Department is seeking a mid-level Physics Lab Teaching Assistant to support undergraduate lab courses. The TA helps prepare experiments, maintains a safe and organized lab, and assists with setup and cleanup before and after sessions.

Pay is $10.50 per hour and funding is FWS. The role emphasizes attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to follow detailed safety procedures, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in academic laboratories.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student.
• Successful completion of at least two physics laboratory courses.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently when needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up laboratory equipment and experiments prior to scheduled lab sessions, following provided instructions and safety guidelines.
• Assist with cleanup and proper storage of equipment after lab sessions.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory spaces, including benches, equipment areas, and shared workspaces.
• Organize, label, and tidy lab storage rooms, cabinets, and supply areas.
• Identify and report damaged, missing, or malfunctioning equipment to the lab instructor or coordinator.
• Assist with routine inventory checks of lab equipment and supplies, as needed.
• Support a safe working environment by following laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the physics labs.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Professionalism

Career & Self Development

Critical Thinking

Community Transformation

Leadership

Technology

Education

Undergraduate student

Two physics lab courses completed

Job description

Physics Lab Teaching Assistant

Division: CAS Department: Physics

Experience: Mid-Level

Job Code: GL Code: FWS

Supervisor of Student Employee(s): Samuel Lane

FWS, IWS, or Grant Funded: ☒ FWS, ☐ IWS, ☐ Grant Funded

Avg. Hours/Week: ☒ 1-5, ☒ 6-10, ☐ 11-15, ☐ 16-20

Requested Start Date: 08/19/2026 Term of Position: ☐ Summer, ☒ Fall, ☒ Spring

The Physics Lab Teaching Assistant (TA) supports the daily operation of undergraduate physics lab courses. The TA plays a key role in preparing laboratory experiments, maintaining a safe and organized lab environment, and assisting with setup and cleanup before and after lab sessions. This position is ideal for students who are detail-oriented, reliable, and interested in gaining experience in academic laboratory environments.

Responsibilities And Career Competencies

• Set up laboratory equipment and experiments prior to scheduled lab sessions, following provided instructions and safety guidelines - CT, T, P
• Assist with cleanup and proper storage of equipment after lab sessions - TW, P
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory spaces, including benches, equipment areas, and shared workspaces - P, TW
• Organize, label, and tidy lab storage rooms, cabinets, and supply areas – P, CT
• Identify and report damaged, missing, or malfunctioning equipment to the lab instructor or coordinator – C, CT, P
• Assist with routine inventory checks of lab equipment and supplies, as needed – CT, P, T
• Support a safe working environment by following laboratory safety protocols and procedures – P, CT, TW
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the physics labs – TW, P, CSD

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications: Current undergraduate student. Successful completion of at least two physics laboratory courses. Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety procedures. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently when needed.

In the following sections check all boxes that apply to your job.

Computer Skills: ☐ Word, ☐ Excel, ☐ PowerPoint, ☐ Canva, ☐ Social Media & New Technology, ☐ Other: _________________________

Other Skills: ☒ Attention to detail, ☐ Strong active listening abilities, ☐ Public speaking, ☒ Written & verbal communication, ☐ Customer focused, ☐ Willingness to learn new things

Work Schedule: ☐ Su ___ to ___; ☐ M ___ to ___; ☐ T ___ to ___; ☐ W ___ to ___; ☐ R ___ to ___; ☐ F ___ to ___; ☐ Sa ___ to ___; ☒ Hours vary depending on workload (Check days that apply, insert hours if set, otherwise, check “Hours vary depending on workload”).

Work Conditions: ☐ Heat, ☐ Cold, ☐ Odors/Smoke, ☐ Toxic Agents, ☐ Dust, ☐ Machinery, ☐ Light Intensity, ☐ Noise, ☐ Vibrations, ☐ Wetness, ☐ Humidity, ☐ Electrical Currents, ☐ Other: _________________________

Physical Demands: ☐ Keyboarding, ☒ Reaching/Handling, ☒ Stooping/Kneeling, ☐ Crouching/Crawling, ☐ Pushing up to ___ lbs., ☐ Pulling up to ___ lbs., ☒ Lifting up to _25_ lbs., ☒ Carrying up to _5_ lbs., ☐ Climbing, ☐ Balancing, ☐ Other: _________________________

Number of Positions: 2

Pay Rate: 10.50/hr

Location: Building: _ARM_, Room #: _211 and 213____

Additional Comments

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.