Physics Laboratory Manager

Job Title

Physics Laboratory Manager

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Physics And Astronomy

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. 

Who We Are

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is home to internationally leading research in applied physics, astronomy, atomic physics, quantum optics, condensed matter physics, high energy physics, nuclear physics, and related areas. We offer our students a variety of graduate and undergraduate degree options.  Many more students from all disciplines receive basic training in sciences in our state-of-art teaching facilities.  Our department is committed to giving back to society through our extensive outreach program.  

What We Want

The laboratory manager, under direction, will coordinate the distribution, oversight, and maintenance of supplies and equipment in departmental teaching laboratories. The selected candidate will prepare specifications, oversee laboratory set-ups, and ensure efficient operations of demonstrations and/or equipment in teaching laboratories. Additional responsibilities will include coordinating the demonstration program and assists in the departmental outreach program while maintaining and repairing lab equipment and demonstrations.

What You Need to Know

• Salary: $50,162.00 - $64,480.00. Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience

• Location: This position is an in-person position in College Station, Texas

• Special Note: Applications are encouraged to upload a single pdf with cover letter discussing qualifications for the position and CV/résumé

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Five years of general physics experience, which includes three (3) years of leadership experience and two (2) years of laboratory experience

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications

• Knowledge of scientific equipment associated with physical sciences

• Knowledge of proper preparation, handling, and disposal of glassware and hazardous materials

• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding

• Ability to repair electronics used in physics labs and demonstrations

• Ability to perform non-electronic repairs for physics demonstrations and lab equipment

• Proficiency with power tools and knowledge of workshop safety

• Excellent written and oral communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in physics or related field

• Experience with Solidworks or other CAD software

• Experience with Wordpress

• Experience with Adobe Premiere or other video editing software

• Working knowledge of Python programming language

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrations management: Performs systemic upgrade of physics demonstrations. Oversees adoption of demonstrations developed for Physics and Engineering Festival into lectures. Develops demonstrations manuals. Maintains up-to-date database of physics demonstrations.

• Outreach: Assists in coordination of outreach programs such as Physics and Engineering Festival, Just Add Science, Game Day Physics, and others. Suggests new outreach ideas and how the department; can implement them to the departmental outreach leaders. Presents science demonstrations for outreach programs and collaborates with faculty for these events.

• Personnel management: Interviews, hires, and manages a technical staff of student employees in the lecture demonstration program and labs. Ensure all PLC student employees are well-trained in set-up, use, and troubleshooting of all lecture demonstrations and laboratory equipment. Provides leadership to the laboratory and lecture demonstration programs. Keeps administrative records, as required by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

• Training management: Conducts training sessions on demonstration set-up and use. Establishes procedures for lecture demonstrations for members of the faculty and technical staff.

• Maintenance and repairs: Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, equipment for lectures, and festival demonstrations.

• Laboratory equipment oversight: Oversees safety protocols established for PHYS 201 and PHYS 202 laboratory courses. Ensures all equipment is in good repair, set up properly, and stored appropriately.

• Budgetary and fiscal management: Oversees budgets for operating and maintaining the Department of Physics and Astronomy laboratory courses and lecture demonstrations. Initiates purchases of equipment, supplies, and services for the laboratory and lecture demonstrations.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts , and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave  and at least eight hours of paid vacation  each month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Educational release time and tuition assistance  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.