"Introductory Physics Lab Technician"

The Department of Physics at the University of Michigan is seeking a Laboratory/Classroom Services Technician to provide classroom support for students and faculty in introductory physics lab courses. The successful candidate will be a member of a team responsible for all facets of a smooth operation of the introductory instructional labs to support the department's teaching mission.

• Set up, tear down, troubleshoot, and transport instructional lab setups for the department's introductory physics courses.
• Use effective communication skills to provide technical training for instructors/students on the correct and safe operation of lab setups.
• Interface directly with students and instructors to maintain schedules, answer questions, organize make-up sessions, and plan instructional activities.
• Work within tight time constraints, often with overlapping tasks or class sessions.
• Maintain and improve upon existing instructional labs and their documentation.
• Troubleshoot and repair laboratory equipment.
• Care for the instructional lab facilities, including providing support for and solving general issues, recommending purchases, and identifying building maintenance problems related to the instructional lab facilities.
• Implement best practices for safety in handling hazardous materials and equipment, following established guidelines and policies.
• Clean and store laboratory equipment and supplies appropriately.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels of supplies and equipment as needed.
• Investigate and help develop new instructional labs based on faculty requests or independently, guided by the Laboratory Manager.
• Engage in professional development and apply new insights to enhance the instructional laboratory operations.
• Perform additional related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in physics or a comparable field.
• Experience working with and repairing scientific laboratory equipment using basic tools.
• Strong computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Maneuver materials or equipment (up to 50 pounds), and perform tasks that may involve bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, standing, or walking moderate distances (including stairs).
• Perform computer-based work, which may involve sitting, typing, or viewing a screen for extended periods.
• Ability to work both independently in a self-directed manner as well as collaboratively in a group environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to repair and maintain scientific apparatus.
• Machine shop experience and associated work (metalwork, woodwork, 3D printing).
• Technical knowledge of electronics (such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, and function generators), computer interfaces (LabView, LoggerPro), and design software (Fusion 360).
• Skills in audio/visual production and editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro/Photoshop).
• Experience with programming languages such as Python.
• Strong understanding of first-year physics topics, including classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and optics.
• Familiarity with teaching pedagogy and its application to enhance physics education.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world. To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit https://lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision. The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.