General Information

Position Title: Laboratory Supervisor
Control Number: 000431
Reports To: 000371
Position Title Department Name
Manager of Technical Support Operations Science Tech Support Services
Department Name: Science Tech Support Services
Location: Science Tech Support Services
Date Prepared: Oct-02
Exempt: Yes

Primary Purpose

Oversees physics laboratories and maintenance of major Bicentennial Hall instrumentation; supports instructional programs in physics laboratories, prepares lecture demonstrations and assists physics faculty and students in laboratory research.

Responsibilities

Works cooperatively with others and accepts direction from supervisors.

*Ensures smooth operation and administration of physics laboratories, overseeing equipment maintenance, preparation of laboratory setups and restocking of supplies.


*Develops and implements new experiments in instructional labs.


*Instructs students in teaching and research labs on proper use of equipment and interpretation of results.


*Develops physics demonstrations needed by faculty; maintains, repairs and improves upon existing demonstrations.


*Coordinates and performs maintenance and repairs on major instruments in Bicentennial Hall, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and other systems where repair requires fundamental understanding of the underlying physical principles.


*Works with students on thesis projects by recommending construction for experimental apparatus, assisting with design of experiments and acting as an examiner in oral thesis defenses.


*Assists faculty in research projects, including consultation on equipment design. Teaches physics and astronomy lab sections and instructs/prepares teaching assistants, as required. Occasional Guest lectures in seminar classes.


*Consults with science faculty and technical staff regarding use and operation of instrumentation throughout the building.


*Hires, trains and supervises student laboratory assistants.


*Assists in grant proposal writing, tours, construction and renovation requests, inventory acquisition and maintenance of support facilities.


*Maintains involvement in professional activities, attends workshops and conducts research in support of physics faculty.


*Offers backup support for other STSS staff, as may occasionally be required.

Education & Training

Bachelor of Science in physics with additional training related to knowledge areas listed below. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

Experienced in maintenance and repair of NMR, SEM, nuclear radiation detectors and low temperature instrumentation. A minimum of 3 years' experience in physics laboratory work in an academic setting required. Prior teaching experience highly desirable.

Knowledge

Must know principles and practices involved in NMR and x-ray spectroscopy, XRD crystallography, MSD systems, low temperature physics, nuclear dynamics, radioisotope methodologies using sealed sources and high vacuum systems; able to analyze and troubleshoot problems with these instruments at all levels. Must be familiar with principles and operation of research laser systems, laser spectroscopy and optoelectronics, and be able to analyze and troubleshoot problems with these systems. Able to analyze and troubleshoot various electromechanical and electronic systems, including TTL & ECL devices. Proficient in operation, use and programming of UNIX, Mac OS and Windows systems, including software and hardware. Familiar with the operation of telescope systems, including computer controllers, CCD cameras and filters. General skills in optics, chemistry, thermal dynamics, high vacuum systems and use of machine tools (lathe, milling machine, bandsaw, etc.).

Other

Requires independent, close interaction with physics faculty.