Monday, August 26, 2024

Lecture Demonstration Specialist, University of Chicago

 https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Chicago-IL/Lecture-Demonstration-Specialist_JR27278


Department
 

PSD Physics: Teaching Support


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 prides 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
 

We are looking for someone to fill the position of Lecture Demonstration Specialist in the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago. The Lecture Demonstration Specialist provides full-time support for lectures taught by faculty. This support includes daily preparation and set up of physics demonstrations requested by instructors, as well as other general support for educational activities within the department. Existing demonstrations cover the full range of the undergraduate physics curriculum, utilizing experimental apparatus ranging from early 1900’s to modern technology. An important part of the job is researching and developing new lecture demonstrations, both on your own initiative and in response to faculty requests, for which the department provides substantial resources including a well stocked machine shop with 3D printing and laser cutting capabilities. The Lecture Demonstration Specialist works closely with both the instructional laboratory and administrative staff, in an environment which is professional, collegial and friendly.

Responsibilities

  • Takes primary responsibility for lecture demonstration support. Consults with faculty to provide appropriate and effective support for their classroom teaching. This includes setting up and testing requested demonstrations before lectures, operating demonstrations during lecture when requested.

  • Maintains, documents, and improves existing demonstrations, identifying and disposing of apparatus no longer in use, and reorganizing the demonstration storage and work space.

  • Maintains a lecture demonstration website and catalog of digital photos, videos, and associated media.

  • Conducts research and development of new demonstrations, both in response to faculty requests and on his own initiative.

  • 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.

  • Works with faculty to develop interactive tools for supporting new teaching methods.

  • Oversees the lecture facilities, including the following: recommending purchases of lecture/teaching facility equipment such as computers, software, technical apparatus, and supplies; and identifying building maintenance problems related to lecture facilities.

  • Supports department outreach programs and special events.

  • Actively participates in the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and other professional organizations in regard to physics teaching pedagogy.

  • 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.

  • Provides support for and solves general audio/visual issues.

  • Instructs students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory and classroom equipment. Promotes safety in handling equipment and/or materials.

  • Performs other related work as needed.

 


Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

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

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in physics or closely related field such as mechanical or electrical engineering.

Experience:

  • Engineering design.

  • Familiarity with current developments in physics teaching pedagogy.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

  • Machine shop (e.g. metalwork, woodwork, 3D printing, laser cutting).

  • Electronic repair and circuit design.

  • Computer programming skills.

  • Audio/video production and editing skills.

Preferred Competencies

  • Ability to repair and maintain scientific apparatus, including older homemade equipment.

  • Ability to assist with audio visual and computer systems as needed.

  • Able to respond on short notice and work under stressful conditions.

  • Able to work independently and develop projects on their own initiative and with minimal supervision, as well as working in a group environment.

  • Strong problem-solving skills.

  • Strong organizational skills.

Working Conditions

  • The work takes place in the Kersten Physics Teaching Center (KPTC) on the main campus of the University of Chicago.

  • Able to work standing up for extended times and move moderately heavy equipment.

  • Able to lift up to 50lbs.

  • Ability to safely work with commonly used physics laboratory equipment such as high and low voltage power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, cryogenics, gas cylinders, lasers, radioactive sources, etc.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter (preferred)

  • References (preferred)


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


FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt


Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly


Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5


Benefits Eligible
 

Yes


Drug Test Required
 

No


Health Screen Required
 

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No


Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

 

Staff 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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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.


Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Two-Year Astro Lecturer / Senior Lecturer, Monash University, AU

 

Lecturer / Senior Lecturer

Job No.: 666284

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 2-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: $114,951 - $136,505 pa Level B / $140,812 - $162,366 pa Level C (plus 17% employer superannuation)

  • Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
  • Join our inclusive, collaborative community
  • Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them

The Opportunity

The School of Physics and Astronomy at Monash University, within the prestigious Faculty of Science, is seeking a dedicated fixed-term Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in astronomy and astrophysics. This position is ideal for an individual with a strong passion for teaching, who can contribute to our full range of astrophysics courses and also engage in research in astrophysics and/or physics and astronomy education. The successful candidate will play a vital role in enhancing the School’s innovative, evidence-based pedagogy in the undergraduate astrophysics curriculum. Please note that this position carries a higher teaching load than a typical teaching and research role, offering a unique opportunity to focus more intensively on education.

Why Choose Monash University's School of Physics and Astronomy?

  • Commitment to Excellence: We are dedicated to providing top-tier teaching and research in astronomy, astrophysics, experimental physics, and theoretical physics.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to improving the diversity of our staff and students and promoting a culture of equality, fairness, respect, and openness. In 2023, we received the Silver Pleiades Award, recognizing our commitment to advancing women in astronomy
  • Innovative Research: The Monash Astrophysics group is renowned for its vibrant research programs in theoretical, computational, and observational astrophysics. Our research covers a broad spectrum of astrophysics topics, including star formation, stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis, Galactic chemical evolution,  compact objects, gravitational waves, and time-domain astronomy. The School of Physics and Astronomy also has a Physics Education Research Group with research foci in student experience and computational physics/astrophysics education

Requirements:

  • Doctoral Qualification: A doctoral qualification in a relevant or related discipline.

The School of Physics and Astronomy and Monash University is committed to creating an inclusive culture in which diversity is embraced. It offers flexible working arrangements, generous parental leave provisions and support for parents and carers, Employee Assistance, and health care services on campus. You can view the range of attractive employee benefits here. There are a range of career development, leadership opportunities and mentoring opportunities. We are firm believers that our people are our most valuable asset.

Our collaborative and supportive environment will offer you many benefits including a competitive salary (including 17% superannuation), possible visa, travel and relocation support for international or interstate candidates and opportunities for training and development. This challenging role will deliver great rewards to the right applicant.

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something groundbreaking – a place where great things happen.

We value difference and diversity, and welcome and celebrate everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. That’s why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Together with our commitment to academic freedom, you will have access to quality research facilities, infrastructure, world class teaching spaces, and international collaboration opportunities. 

Learn more about Monash.

Be part of our story. Work with us to #ChangeIt.

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries

Professor Stefan Maier, Head of School, stefan.maier@monash.edu

Professor Paul Lasky, Head of Monash Astrophysics, paul.lasky@monash.edu 

Dr Anna Phillips, Head of Physics Education Research, anna.phillips@monash.edu 

Position Description: 

Lecturer - Level B

Senior Lecturer - Level C

Applications Close: Monday 23 September 2024, 11:55pm AEST

Supporting a diverse workforce