Job
Summary
The Department of Physics at the University of
Colorado Boulder encourages applications for the Director of Undergraduate Laboratories. This position
is responsible for supervision and oversight of laboratory classes for Physics
majors. Primary duties are 1) design, construction, and set-up of laboratory
exercises in the sophomore, junior and senior labs (PHYS2150, 3330, and
4430/5430), 2) support, training and supervision of faculty, staff, graduate
TAs, and undergraduate learning assistants in those lab classes, and 3)
implementing innovations in laboratory instruction. A doctorate in physics (or
a related engineering field) is strongly preferred, but is not required.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally
diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to
an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer,
including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We
Are
The Department of Physics
offers award-winning programs, well-established and knowledgeable faculty, and
an unmatched educational experience. We are ranked among the top 15
universities overall for graduate-level physics programs. Our faculty includes
multiple Nobel laureates, Packard Fellows, MacArthur Fellows, and Presidential
Early Career Award winners performing ground- breaking research. The Department
is strongly affiliated with Institutes of the University of Colorado
(Biofrontiers, CIRES, JILA, LASP, RASEI), with the University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus, and with the nearby National Laboratories (NIST, NREL,
NOAA, and NCAR), offering world-class facilities and broad opportunities for
research collaboration. The department has among the largest PhD programs and
programs for undergraduate majors in the US.
What
Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Sophomore Lab Course Upgrade
(Phys2150)
- In
collaboration with faculty in physics, redesign course format in light of
the latest research in undergraduate laboratory education research.
Develop new lab exercises and improve existing lab exercises.
- Work
with staff and faculty in Physics in organization of course, purchase and
repair of new and existing equipment.
Electronics Lab Course
Management (PHYS3330)
- In
collaboration with faculty in physics, develop new lab exercises and
improvement of existing lab exercises in PHYS 3330 (Junior-level
electronics lab).
- Work
with staff and faculty in Physics in purchase and repair of new and
existing supplies and equipment for PHYS3330.
- Work
with staff and faculty in Physics in organization and management of
equipment, supplies, PC/printer/internet infrastructure.
- Supervision
of undergraduate learning assistants in PHYS3330 (typically 3 LA’s per
semester).
- Temporary
instructor in PHYS3330, if instructor is ill or unavailable.
Advanced Lab Course Management
(PHYS4430)
- In
collaboration with faculty in physics, develop new lab exercises and improvement
of existing lab exercises in PHYS4430.
- Work
with staff and faculty in Physics in purchase and repair of new and
existing supplies and equipment for PHYS4430 (Senior-level advanced
undergraduate lab).
- Assist/train
new faculty in organization of course and details of experimental
apparatus.
- Assist
faculty in documentation of new and existing lab experiments.
- Assist
faculty in monitoring/mentoring students during class sessions.
- Temporary
instructor in PHYS4430, if instructor is ill or unavailable.
Application of Results from
Physical Education and Industry Skills Analysis
- Learn
about and apply results from physics education research to undergraduate
lab courses.
- Assessment
of effectiveness of physics lab by working with faculty.
- Design
and tailor lab experience based on analysis of the lab skills and
techniques needed from industry.
What
You Should Know
This position is expected
to work in-person (no remote work).
What We
Can Offer
Annual salary range is
$78,000 - $82,000. Relocation funds are available according to departmental
policy.
Benefits
The University of
Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition
benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest
employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education
environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
What We
Require
- Master’s
degree in Physics or related engineering degree, or related field.
- At
least two years of relevant experience teaching undergraduate physics
students and management of physics lab or similar experience.
What
You Will Need
- Digital
literacy with Adobe Acrobat and MS Office applications, particularly with
Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
- Ability
to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with a variety of
professionals, administrators, and students.
- Ability
to work independently and assume responsibility for initiating and
completing critical functions in the management of educational programs.
- Proven
leadership ability.
- Proven
track record of working effectively in a team and within other
collaborative work situations.
- Knowledge
of analog and digital electronics and ability to fabricate experimental
apparatus.
- Knowledge
of at least one programming language (e.g., python, Matlab, etc.)
What We
Would Like You To Have
- Ph.D.
in Physics or related engineering degree.
- Experience
as an instructor of record for undergraduate physics course(s).
- At
least five years of laboratory experience appropriate to the position.
- Three
years experience teaching science lab courses or science course with a lab
component at the undergraduate or junior/senior high school level.
Special
Instructions
To apply, please submit the
following materials:
1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically
tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements,
qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
3. Diversity essay.
o A short essay (no more than 1
page) that addresses the following statement: "Central to our mission is
facilitating an inclusive community. Describe what your commitment to
diversity, equity, and inclusion looks like in practice, including examples of
how your work and experiences have contributed to advancing DEI in higher
education.".
We may request references/letters
of recommendation at a later time.
The position is open until
filled. For full consideration, please apply by January 3, 2022.
Note: Application materials
will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
