Physics Laboratory Coordinator
Department of Physics, Reed College
Located in Portland, Oregon, Reed College is one of the country’s leading liberal arts and sciences colleges, providing an intellectually rigorous undergraduate experience. Reed College values cultural diversity and intellectual pluralism as critical components of academic excellence. Reed cultivates an inclusive learning environment by bringing together students, staff, and faculty with a variety of experiences and expertise. The Reed community works together to foster critical thought, responsible citizenship, and community engagement.
We seek a dynamic Physics Laboratory Coordinator to join our institution.
Position Summary
The Physics Lab Coordinator (with the classification of Department Associate) is primarily responsible for running, maintaining and supporting the freshman physics laboratories and for developing and maintaining the physics department’s demonstration library. The Lab Coordinator also undertakes longer-term maintenance and development projects and the creation of classroom demonstrations. This role reports to the Chair of the Physics Department.
This is a full-time exempt position, working 37.5 hours a week. The annual salary for this position is $56,000 and will be paid semi-monthly. This position will start July 2016. Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution, retiree medical plan, college tuition assistance for employees’ children, paid holidays, paid vacation and many other campus amenities, such as membership to the campus fitness center for employee and spouse and access to onsite daycare provided by Growing Seeds.
Essential Functions
- Organizes and trains the student laboratory teaching assistants (~8), and oversees their work in the freshman class laboratory (as proctors, mentors and graders).
- Revises and creates open-ended laboratory experiments for the freshman course.
- Interacts with and assists freshman students.
- Evaluates the scientific content and clarity of student work during longer open-ended projects (these can involve a significant written component).
- Grades quarterly open-ended lab reports
and provides students with detailed feedback on technical writing, experimental technique, and data analysis.
- Maintains and updates the introductory physics laboratory manual.
- Organizes and maintains laboratory equipment and replaces broken equipment. Keeps the laboratory clean, safe and ready for use each week.
- Researches, designs, constructs, presents, and preserves lecture and conference demonstrations, both for the freshman and sophomore physics courses.
- Opportunity to lead development of new laboratory curricula in collaboration with faculty, possibly to include an introductory astronomy laboratory.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Knowledge of laboratory and safety techniques, practices and procedures.
- Ability to think strategically, problem solve and manage multiple projects.
- Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate students.
- Knowledge of modern data acquisition and analysis, including video analysis.
- Strong technical writer, including familiarity with typesetting software such as LaTeX.
Education and Experience Required
- M.S. in Physics required (Ph.D. strongly preferred).
- Experience running and developing an introductory physics laboratory.
To Apply
Email (in pdf format) to employment@reed.edu a Letter of Introduction that relates your skills and experiences to the stated qualifications, include how this position fits with your long-term professional goals and how your background, education or experience contributes to diversity at Reed. Also include a Reed Application for Employment, a resume that reflects notable achievements and a list of references.
Applications will be considered as they are submitted, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. Initial review of applications will be completed by Jan. 8, 2015.
