[Updated Description] Instructional Aid Specialist, The Ohio State University

Instructional Aid Specialist, The Ohio State University

Description

The Instructional Aid Specialist promotes and strengthens the academic environment by supporting the design, implementation, and assessment of effective learning tools associated with laboratories, lecture demonstrations, and instructional technology for courses in the Department of Physics. This role supports the department’s introductory courses, which serve approximately 7,000 students per year and over 50 faculty members.

In collaboration with the Instructional Aid Manager, the Instructional Aid Specialist assists with developing, updating, maintaining, and setting up instructional technology for physics courses, using project management strategies to coordinate timelines and resources. The Instructional Aid Specialist also contributes to the design and construction of instructional technology and equipment for use in labs and lecture demonstrations, including 3D printing, basic software development, and introductory-level circuit design, and consults with machinists in the production of custom-designed equipment.

The Instructional Aid Specialist demonstrates instrumentation and instructional hardware for teaching faculty and provides training on proper equipment use. The role partners with lab trainers and coordinators to support equipment use and the development of evidence-based instructional approaches. In addition, the position provides technical support and guidance to faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching associates related to instructional laboratories and introductory courses.

This position supports troubleshooting and repair of lab equipment, including diagnostics and maintenance of tools, apparatus, data acquisition hardware, and electrical instruments used in introductory physics laboratories and lecture demonstrations. The role also assists with decision-making related to lab equipment purchases, including computer hardware and software and audio-visual equipment, and supports procurement activities for the instructional lab team.

In collaboration with the Instructional Aid Manager, the Instructional Aid Specialist supports planning and facilitation of lab demonstrations for outreach and educational events, including events at the Ohio State Fair. The position maintains documentation related to standard operating procedures and safety requirements for lecture demonstrations and laboratory equipment and consults with department safety personnel as needed.

The Instructional Aid Specialist coordinates with IT on technical matters involving instructional labs and may perform video recording, editing, and production as needed. This position requires flexibility to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends, based on course schedules and outreach events.

Qualifications

Required: Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At least 2 years of relevant experience in design, construction, troubleshooting and maintenance of physics laboratory equipment.

Desired: experience with design and construction of analog and digital circuits/devices

Expected Pay Range: $23-26/hr, full-time year-round staff position, eligible for overtime pay

To Apply

https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Instructional-Aid-Specialist_R151920-1

Questions can be directed to Andrew Heckler (heckler.6@osu.edu) and Christine Jackson (jackson.2030@osu.edu).

[Below is the old job description]

Description

The Instructional Aid Specialist promotes and strengthens the academic environment by supporting the design, implementation, and assessment of effective learning tools associated with laboratories, lecture demonstrations, and instructional technology for courses in the Department of Physics. This role supports the department’s introductory courses, which serve approximately 7,000 students per year and over 50 faculty members.

In collaboration with the Instructional Aid Manager, the Instructional Aid Specialist assists with developing, updating, maintaining, and setting up instructional technology for physics courses, using project management strategies to coordinate timelines and resources. The Instructional Aid Specialist also contributes to the design and construction of instructional technology and equipment for use in labs and lecture demonstrations, including 3D printing, basic software development, and introductory-level circuit design, and consults with machinists in the production of custom-designed equipment.

The Instructional Aid Specialist demonstrates instrumentation and instructional hardware for teaching faculty and provides training on proper equipment use. The role partners with lab trainers and coordinators to support equipment use and the development of evidence-based instructional approaches. In addition, the position provides technical support and guidance to faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching associates related to instructional laboratories and introductory courses.

This position supports troubleshooting and repair of lab equipment, including diagnostics and maintenance of tools, apparatus, data acquisition hardware, and electrical instruments used in introductory physics laboratories and lecture demonstrations. The role also assists with decision-making related to lab equipment purchases, including computer hardware and software and audio-visual equipment, and supports procurement activities for the instructional lab team.

In collaboration with the Instructional Aid Manager, the Instructional Aid Specialist supports planning and facilitation of lab demonstrations for outreach and educational events, including events at the Ohio State Fair. The position maintains documentation related to standard operating procedures and safety requirements for lecture demonstrations and laboratory equipment and consults with department safety personnel as needed.

The Instructional Aid Specialist coordinates with IT on technical matters involving instructional labs and may perform video recording, editing, and production as needed. This position requires flexibility to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends, based on course schedules and outreach events.

Qualifications

Required: Bachelor’s degree in physics or related area, or equivalent experience. 2 years of experience in design, construction, and maintenance of laboratory equipment with at least 1-2 years in an instructional setting.

Desired: experience with design and construction of analog and digital circuits/devices

To Apply

https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Instructional-Aid-Specialist_R145418-1

Questions can be directed to Andrew Heckler (heckler.6@osu.edu) and Christine Jackson (jackson.2030@osu.edu).

Physics Instructional Laboratories Teaching Support Specialist, University of Chicago

 https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Hyde-Park-Campus/Physics-Instructional-Laboratories-Teaching-Support-Specialist_JR34042

About the Department

The Department of Physics at The University of Chicago was established in 1893 by A. A. Michaelson. As then, the Physics Department continues to pride itself on cross-disciplinary research which is carried out over several multi-disciplinary institutes and centers: the Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, the Institute for Molecular Engineering, the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, the Kadanoff Center for Theoretical Physics, and the Computation Institute. The Physics Department values the benefits that diversity brings to life and science. We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive environment that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry encouraging diverse perspectives, intellectual engagement and exchange.

Job Summary

The Teaching Support Specialist works alongside a team of professional staff within the Department of Physics to maintain, operate, and improve instructional laboratory spaces and experiments, and to train graduate laboratory tutors to work safely and teach effectively. The Teaching Support Specialist provides instructional support for students in the advanced undergraduate physics lab courses and offers mentorship and support to students on special projects. The Teaching Support Specialist contributes to and implements improvements for teaching laboratories, including designing and improving lecture demonstrations and developing laboratory manuals.

Responsibilities

• Practical:
• Performs weekly setup and preparation of all instructional labs throughout each academic quarter and maintains lab spaces.
• Assists in course logistics, including monitoring assignment grading and assigning laboratory experiments.
• Collaborates with the staff to ensure that all apparatus used in the physics instructional lab courses are repaired and maintained in good working conditions.
• Collaborates with the staff to design, build, and implement new scientific apparatus for use in the physics instructional labs.
• Monitors the building environment and takes measures to ensure that problems are addressed, either through direct action or by contacting specialists.
• Assists with lecture demonstrations as needed.
• Instructional:
• Serves as instructional support for students in the advanced undergraduate physics lab courses.
• Assists students with experimental techniques, data processing, and reporting.
• Trains graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants to operate equipment and teach effectively in the physics instructional labs.
• Creates and maintains instructional material for student use in the instructional labs including lab manuals, supplemental course materials, and other digital resources.
• Intellectual: 
• Collaborates with the staff and course instructors to develop and implement new scientific pedagogy for use in the physics instructional labs.
• Stays up to date with the latest developments in physics education research through attending relevant conferences, reviewing literature, and participating in campus and departmental pedagogy workshops.
• Additional:
• Provides support for a wide variety of public outreach programs and summer courses.
• Prepares and tests lecture demonstrations to ensure consistency with course content. Works with faculty or staff to determine the suitability of demonstrations for specific lectures. Informs faculty of new demonstration developments and materials.
• Acts as a resource for and instructs faculty on the proper usage of technical scientific apparatus. Uses best practices and laboratory knowledge to promote safety in handling hazardous equipment and materials.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• MA/MS or PhD in Physics or related field.

Experience:

• Experience teaching, tutoring, or mentoring, especially in a university setting.
• Experience in a research or teaching laboratory, especially in a university setting.
• Experience supervising and training student employees.
• Experience working safely in a lab environment, including experience with high voltage, lasers, chemicals, and radioactive sources.

Preferred Competencies

• Passion for teaching and a desire to develop skills in experimental physics education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and the ability to handle multiple simultaneous projects.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative in seeking out necessary information.
• Ability and desire to work both independently and collaboratively.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Physics Education Research (PER) strategies, including active learning techniques, introductory or advanced lab pedagogy, inclusive teaching, AI-use in the classroom, and assessment.
• Apparatus fabrication and design, including the use of hand tools and power tools, machine shop tools, computer aided design (CAD), 3D printing, and laser cutting.
• Software and computer databases, including computer programming (e.g. Python, C/C++, Jupyter/Google CoLab), version control (e.g. Git, GitHub), web development, and content management systems.
• Electronics, including circuit design and prototyping, soldering and fabrication, printed circuit board (PCB) design, and programmable microcontrollers (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Red Pitaya, FPGA).
• Troubleshooting and repair, including common laboratory equipment (e.g. multimeters, power supplies, function generators, oscilloscopes), lasers and optics, and complex apparatus.
• Digital content creation, including website design, video production and editing, and written scientific communication.
• Specialized research techniques, including video data analysis, vacuum systems or cryogenics, computational physics, and other skills related to analyzing complex physical phenomena.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• 3 Professional References or Letters of Recommendation (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Instructional Lab Support Specialist - Physics, Yale

 

https://careers.yale.edu/us/en/job/134193WD/Instructional-Lab-Support-Specialist-Physics

Instructional Lab Support Specialist - Physics

 

Description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

Reporting to the Director, Instructional Labs and involved faculty, this position will support all aspects of the Instructional Lab team by working across facilities, equipment fabrication and maintenance, instructional development and innovation, safety, compliance, and exciting community outreach. Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

Operations and Compliance

Teaching Support

Support the teaching of department lab and lecture courses (including equipment prep, breakdown, storage, routine and on-demand repair, and fabrication).

Identify new approaches to teaching for use in the instructional lab curriculum

Provide on-demand assistance to lab instructors, teaching fellows, and students during class times

Assume lead role in the development, innovation, organization, maintenance, and construction of physics demonstrations; partner with faculty to furnish their demonstration requests, including procurement

Safety and Compliance:

Regularly complete required safety, training, and certifications; maintain as necessary

Assume leadership and ownership of laboratory safety for students, and ensure compliance, including the maintenance and safe operation of the student Van der Graaff proton accelerator

Provide annual safety training to matriculating students

Facilities Management

Maintain and organize instructional lab storage spaces and repair facilities

Leadership/Development/Administration

Serve as Vice-Chair, Outreach Committee, with a focus on developing and coordinating STEM-focused events for the Greater New Haven community, some of which may require evening and weekend commitments

Attend training and informational conferences; develop relationships and connections externally

Required Skills and Abilities

1.Demonstrated experience teaching introductory physics, with an emphasis on experimental equipment and apparatus.

2.Demonstrated ability to problem solve, employing sound judgment and critical-thinking skills, especially with respect to experimental apparatus and effect repairs of mechanical or electrical nature.

3.Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form, with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

4.Ability to work independently, within a team/group, and with diverse populations, both internal and external Intermediate or expert level technical knowledge (Mac, PC), specifically word processing, spreadsheets, computer interfacing, and data acquisition techniques and packages.

5.Ability to walk between multiple locations across campus Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Hands-on instrumentation or equipment-building experience

Introductory teaching or lab instruction experience

Basic coding/software skills (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB)

Physics or engineering background

Interest in education and student engagement

1.BS or MS in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.

Extensive experience with equipment maintenance and repair, familiar with the construction and operation of scientific apparatus and instruments.

                       

Principal Responsibilities

1. Acts as a project leader for Instructional Technology projects. 2. Provides consultation and makes recommendations for allocation of resources, product selection, and priorities. 3. Delivers technical expertise and provides recommendation in researching, evaluating and implementing new instructional technologies. 4. Provides high-level service for existing instructional technologies and projects, as well as high-end support for all instructional technology systems and other multimedia activities. 5. Manages operating systems, applications, web services, and content on the department’s servers. 6. Maintains in depth knowledge of existing and emerging instructional technologies. 7. Develops and reports on metrics that measure usage, reliability and client satisfaction for all technology services provided. 8. Manages relationships with internal and external clients, outside vendors, consultants and peer institutions. 9. Maintains highest possible degree of service and responsiveness in complex, multi-vendor, multiplatform environment. 10. Consults with faculty to assess instructional technology needs. Develops and implements solutions to meet those needs. 11. Provides training on the usage of instructional technologies, and other software and hardware. 12. Manages assigned project tasks to ensure timely and high quality outcomes. Provides regular status reports on assigned projects. 13. Supervises temporary and student workers. 14. May perform others duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree and at least three years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

05/12/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Supervisor; Senior Associate (P5)

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $120,500.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site