"Instructional Support Technician - College of Arts and Sciences - University at Albany"

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)

Job Requirements:

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.

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:

This is a promotional opportunity for current UAlbany employees. For details concerning the University's Promotion Policy for Professional Employees, please see HR Memorandum 88-4. Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Instructional Support Technician, SL3, $57,151 - 62,000. Special Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.