Department
About the Department
Job Summary
Responsibilities
Takes primary responsibility for lecture demonstration support. Consults with faculty to provide appropriate and effective support for their classroom teaching. This includes setting up and testing requested demonstrations before lectures, operating demonstrations during lecture when requested.
Maintains, documents, and improves existing demonstrations, identifying and disposing of apparatus no longer in use, and reorganizing the demonstration storage and work space.
Maintains a lecture demonstration website and catalog of digital photos, videos, and associated media.
Conducts research and development of new demonstrations, both in response to faculty requests and on his own initiative.
Acts as a resource for and instructs faculty on the proper usage of technical scientific apparatus. Uses best practices and laboratory knowledge to promote safety in handling hazardous equipment and materials.
Works with faculty to develop interactive tools for supporting new teaching methods.
Oversees the lecture facilities, including the following: recommending purchases of lecture/teaching facility equipment such as computers, software, technical apparatus, and supplies; and identifying building maintenance problems related to lecture facilities.
Supports department outreach programs and special events.
Actively participates in the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and other professional organizations in regard to physics teaching pedagogy.
Prepares and tests lecture demonstrations to ensure consistency with course content. Works with faculty or staff to determine the suitability of demonstrations for specific lectures.
Provides support for and solves general audio/visual issues.
Instructs students, staff, and faculty in the operation of laboratory and classroom equipment. Promotes safety in handling equipment and/or materials.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.---
Work Experience:
---
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor of Science in physics or closely related field such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
Experience:
Engineering design.
Familiarity with current developments in physics teaching pedagogy.
Technical Knowledge or Skills:
Machine shop (e.g. metalwork, woodwork, 3D printing, laser cutting).
Electronic repair and circuit design.
Computer programming skills.
Audio/video production and editing skills.
Preferred CompetenciesAbility to repair and maintain scientific apparatus, including older homemade equipment.
Ability to assist with audio visual and computer systems as needed.
Able to respond on short notice and work under stressful conditions.
Able to work independently and develop projects on their own initiative and with minimal supervision, as well as working in a group environment.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Working Conditions
The work takes place in the Kersten Physics Teaching Center (KPTC) on the main campus of the University of Chicago.
Able to work standing up for extended times and move moderately heavy equipment.
Able to lift up to 50lbs.
Ability to safely work with commonly used physics laboratory equipment such as high and low voltage power supplies, oscilloscopes, function generators, cryogenics, gas cylinders, lasers, radioactive sources, etc.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
References (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
FLSA Status
Pay Frequency
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Benefits Eligible
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.