Applications are sought for the position of Director of Undergraduate Laboratories in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington. This is a permanent, 10-month* appointment, Administrative/Professional position. Responsibilities are as follows: (1) Supervision of instruction in introductory laboratories for about 800 students per semester. (2) Supervision of two scientific instructional technicians who have responsibilities in supporting the laboratories and lecture demonstrations. (3) Coordination of scheduling and grading of the laboratories and tutorials; oversight of about 25 teaching assistants in laboratories and tutorial sessions. (4) Instruction of Teaching Physics Laboratories (PHYS 598), a one-credit course intended to train teaching assistants in the goals of experiments and in effective methods to promote student learning. (5) Development of laboratory experiences and tutorial sessions that foster learning and integrate well with the lectures.
*A provision will be made for an extra month of employment and salary the first year for the purpose of on-the-job training beginning June 1 - June 30, 2011. The regular 10-month appointment will run from August 1 – May 31 annually, thereafter). WSU is an E0/AA/Educator and Employer.
An M.S. degree in Physics or related field is required; a Ph.D. is preferred. A strong experimental physics background is required. Demonstrated competence in teaching and/or curriculum development is also required. Experience in supervision of staff and/or teaching assistants is desirable. Experience working with computer-based laboratories and web-based support materials is desirable. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications
Interested candidates should apply on line at the Human Resource Services "WSU Jobs" link below. You will be asked to submit a curriculum vita, cover letter addressing qualifications as they relate to this position, and at least three names and email addresses regarding letters of recommendation. Applications will be accepted January 12, 2011 – February 15, 2011.
We seek a creative individual who has a passion for teaching in a laboratory setting and the ability and commitment to develop innovative lower-division laboratory experiments and lecture demonstrations. Efforts to secure external funding for support of improvement in the laboratories are encouraged and will be supported by the department. We also seek a candidate interested in participating at professional meetings of organizations such as the American Association of Physics Teachers and we will support such activities. Pullman, Washington offers a friendly, small-town living environment with easy access to spectacular areas of the Northwest.
