We're Hiring!

Title: Physics Lab Specialist

VP Area: College of Arts and Sciences

Department: Physics

Work Schedule: Fixed daytime hours Monday-Friday

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 10

Job Purpose:

The Department of Physics at Gonzaga University invites applications for a full-time Lab Specialist position to begin Fall 2025. The Department seeks an enthusiastic colleague interested in hands-on laboratory instruction and curriculum development for our Scientific Inquiry labs taken by non-science majors. Candidates should be committed to pursuing excellence in teaching, promoting an inclusive learning environment, and show clear promise for innovative teaching in an undergraduate laboratory setting and a liberal arts environment. Lab Specialists prepare laboratory facilities for the teaching of multi-section laboratory courses, assist with the implementation of lab curricula, and teach lab sections. Lab Specialists work with a variety of faculty and department staff for the efficient, effective, and safe functioning of all labs in the department. Candidates from underrepresented groups in physics are particularly encouraged to apply. The Physics Department at Gonzaga University is committed to building an intellectually vibrant and culturally inclusive community for our students, faculty, and staff. The department supports innovative pedagogy and effective, engaging, and interactive courses.

Essential Functions:

• 50% - Teaching
  • Effectively teach assigned lab sections (or equivalent) each semester.
  • Grade student assignments and labs in a timely and fair/equitable manner.
  • Provide office hours to students in your lab sections for additional guidance and assistance.
  • Learn, evaluate, and implement lab curriculum. Evaluate and revise teaching methods and approaches as warranted or directed.
  • Direct work of student teaching assistants.
  • Ensure laboratory safety and compliance. - (Essential)

• 20% - Coordinate Curriculum & Lab Implementation
  • Coordinate multiple sections of labs, taught by one or more instructors.
  • Maintain and distribute course materials and documents via electronic and in-class methods.
  • Coordinate common or shared materials for all sections and instructors of the lab.
  • Assist in curriculum development. - (Essential)

• 20% - Maintenance of Designated Labs
  • Prepare laboratory spaces and materials for class sections.
  • Maintain designated laboratory areas and inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
  • Organize and store lab equipment.
  • Order / purchase supplies, materials, and equipment.
  • Facilitate laboratory safety and prepare lab spaces and equipment to promote safety. - (Essential)

• 10% - Construct & Repair Lab Equipment
  • Construct, assemble, and/or customize lab equipment to meet and support lab activity goals.
  • Repair defective lab equipment where feasible and practical.
  • Monitor and maintain lab equipment to ensure operability.
  • Inventory lab equipment and assess spare equipment needs. - (Essential)

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Master's Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

1 year

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Certifications and/or Licensures:

• Driver's license (regular/basic, Class D).

Skills & Abilities:

Master's degree in Physics or related STEM field, or Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience in lieu of Master's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lab teaching experience, in higher education preferred.
• Evidence of effective, rigorous, and engaging teaching at the undergraduate level, including the ability to effectively respond to the academic needs of learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience teaching students of all backgrounds, including those who are traditionally underrepresented in physics.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Daily (>75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $51,600 - $57,465 (annualized)

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $51,600

Midpoint Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $64,500

Maximum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $77,400