The Department of Physics at The University of Chicago was established in 1893 by A. A. Michaelson. As then, the Physics Department continues to prides itself on cross-disciplinary research which is carried out over several multi-disciplinary institutes and centers: the Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, the Institute for Molecular Engineering, the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, the Kadanoff Center for Theoretical Physics, and the Computation Institute. The Physics Department values the benefits that diversity brings to life and science. We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive environment that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry encouraging diverse perspectives, intellectual engagement and exchange.
Job Summary
We are looking for someone to fill the position of Lecture Demonstration Specialist in the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago. The Lecture Demonstration Specialist provides full-time support for lectures taught by faculty. This support includes daily preparation and set up of physics demonstrations requested by instructors, as well as other general support for educational activities within the department. Existing demonstrations cover the full range of the undergraduate physics curriculum, utilizing experimental apparatus ranging from early 1900’s to modern technology. An important part of the job is researching and developing new lecture demonstrations, both on your own initiative and in response to faculty requests, for which the department provides substantial resources including a well stocked machine shop with 3D printing and laser cutting capabilities. The Lecture Demonstration Specialist works closely with both the instructional laboratory and administrative staff, in an environment which is professional, collegial and friendly.
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: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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 Competencies
Ability 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.
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.
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