Position Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy of Texas A&M University is seeking applications at the title of Laboratory Manager.  This laboratory manager oversees teaching laboratories for physics service courses, coordinates the classroom demonstration program, and works extensively with our large physics outreach program.

Qualifications

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Experience

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

Preferred Education

Master's degree in physics or a related field

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of work processing and spreadsheet applications; knowledge of scientific equipment associated with physical sciences; knowledge of proper preparation, handling, and disposal of glassware and hazardous materials; working knowledge of Python programming language; knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures; ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others; 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; ability to exert light force; ability to lift 50+ pounds; ability to work beyond normal office hours and/or weekends

Preferred Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Solidworks or other CAD software; Wordpress; Adobe Premiere or other video-editing software

Job Responsibilities

Personnel management

Interview, hire, and manage a technical staff of student employees in the lecture demonstration program and labs; provide leadership to the laboratory and lecture demonstration programs; keep administrative records as required by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Training management

Conduct training sessions on pedagogy and establish procedures for lecture demonstrations for members of the faculty and technical staff.

Demonstrations management

Provide leadership for systematic upgrade of physics demonstrations; oversee adoption of demonstrations developed for physics festival into lectures; develop demonstrations manuals; keep up-to-date database for physics demonstrations.

Laboratory management

Prepare lab schedules and lab handouts to complement the lecture course syllabus; oversee safety protocols established for laboratory courses.

Outreach

Assist students in building, maintaining, and repairing hands-on demonstrations for the department outreach program; assist in coordination of outreach programs such as Physics and Engineering Festival, Just Add Science, Game Day Physics, and others; conceive new outreach ideas and how the department can implement them; present science demonstrations for outreach programs and collaborate with faculty for these events.

Budgetary and fiscal management

Oversee budgets for operating and maintaining the Department of Physics and Astronomy laboratory courses and lecture demonstrations; initiate purchases of equipment, supplies, and services for the laboratory and lecture demonstrations.

Maintenance and repairs

Maintain and repair laboratory equipment and equipment for lecture and festival demonstrations.

Other Duties

Performs other duties as assigned.