Instructional Support Technician - College of Arts and Sciences

About University at Albany:

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service engages a diverse student body of more than 17,000 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

Job Description:

The Instructional Support Technician supports the Physics Department by maintaining and enhancing its technical facilities and instructional equipment. This position ensures the safe and efficient operation of classroom, laboratory, and demonstration spaces, providing technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students. The Technician organizes, repairs, and upgrades equipment, prepares classroom demonstrations/experiments, and collaborates with campus offices and vendors to meet the department's teaching and research needs. Through these efforts, the Technician enables high-quality physics instruction and supports a productive learning environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Instructional Equipment Maintenance and Support
• Maintain, repair, and upgrade classroom, laboratory, and demonstration equipment, ensuring all instructional tools are in safe and functional condition.
• Build, design, or modify equipment in collaboration with faculty to support innovative teaching.
• Manage the acquisition and inventory of equipment and supplies, including purchasing and vendor coordination, to meet the evolving needs of the department.
• Classroom and Laboratory Support
• Provide technical assistance for audiovisual systems and computers in classrooms, seminar rooms, and conference spaces.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to ensure seamless instruction and departmental presentations.
• Liaise with campus administrative offices, such as IT services and Facilities Management, to address technical and facility-related needs.
• Lab Course Development and Assistance
• Assist faculty in developing new experiments and revising existing lab course materials.
• Provide input on the design and feasibility of experiments, including equipment and supply requirements.
• Maintain updated records of available experiments and ensure lab courses are adequately supplied and equipped each semester.
• Technology and Audiovisual Support
• Provide technical assistance for audiovisual systems and computers in classrooms, seminar rooms, and conference spaces.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to ensure seamless instruction and departmental presentations.
• Liaise with campus administrative offices, such as IT services and Facilities Management, to address technical and facility-related needs.
• Safety and Security
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols for departmental facilities, equipment, and instructional spaces.
• Serve as the department's Fire Marshal, maintaining compliance with campus safety regulations.
• Monitor the security and functionality of technical facilities and collaborate with stakeholders to address safety concerns.
• Departmental and Research Support
• Provide time-available support for research equipment troubleshooting and repair.
• Assist faculty and graduate researchers in resolving technical challenges to facilitate successful research outcomes.
• Offer general troubleshooting and maintenance for computers and equipment in faculty, staff, and graduate offices.
• Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities
• Act as a liaison between the Physics Department and external services, such as the campus machine shop and Chemistry Stores, to streamline operations.
• Maintain open communication with faculty, staff, and students, prioritizing requests in consultation with the department chair as needed.
• Recommend equipment upgrades or new acquisitions to enhance the department's instructional capabilities.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to the Physics Department Chair
• May supervise employees as assigned (if no direct reports at time of filling position)

This position requires the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a high level of professionalism, dependability, and technical expertise. Successful performance ensures the efficient operation of the department and a robust learning environment for all.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, electronics, or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• 2 years of relevant experience in a technical support role, preferably in an academic or research environment, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated skills in setting-up, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing laboratory or instructional equipment
• Experience working in classroom or laboratory settings, including organizing and supporting experiments or demonstrations, and ensuring laboratory safety
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in a technical support role, preferably in an academic or research environment, or equivalent experience.
• Master's degree in physics, engineering, electronics, or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.

Working Environment:

Typical office and lab environment. Physical demands include lifting and moving equipment, while mental focus is essential for troubleshooting and problem-solving.

Additional Information:

Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Instructional Support Technician, SL3, $57,151- 62,000. Special Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Additionally, please note that UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report.

Application Instructions:

Applicants MUST submit the following documents: Resume, Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications, List of 3 professional references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers. A review of applications will start on August 29, 2025 and the search will remain open until the position is filled.