Lab Tech II

The Division of Academic Affairs at MCLA is seeking a Laboratory Technician II for the Physics Department. Responsibilities: Prepare, test, troubleshoot, and provide instructions and documentation to run equipment for laboratories, demonstrations, and student research; develop and manufacture new laboratory and demonstration materials; serve as a resource to students for undergraduate research questions regarding such topics as equipment, experimental design, and data analysis.

Detailed Duties and Responsibilities:

• Preparing equipment for laboratory and demonstrations, including troubleshooting equipment, especially the advanced lab equipment (radiation equipment, single-photon interference apparatus, Millikan oil drop apparatus, and other advanced lab equipment); completing measurements and data analysis to test laboratory equipment and preparing documents detailing the results for faculty; and preparing instructions for students to run advanced lab equipment.
   
• Serving as a resource for undergraduate research as needed in Advanced Physics Laboratory and in Independent Research courses. This could include working with students to troubleshoot equipment and experimental setup, troubleshoot data taking and data analysis, and locate and obtain materials for research experiments.
   
• Researching, purchasing, designing, and/or building apparatuses for demonstrations and laboratories, using our machine shop and 3-D printer when necessary, to demonstrate particular physics concepts.
   
• Designing new labs in conjunction with faculty, based on physics pedagogical research.
   
• Creating and maintaining an online inventory of equipment in Physics Department.
   
•  Inventorying all equipment in the introductory and advanced labs to assess which items should be disposed of and which need updating with more current technology.
   
• Other duties as needed and requested.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:

•  Knowledge of the fundamentals of mechanics, electromagnetism, electronics, and quantum mechanics.
•  Excellent time managements and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.
• Computer proficiency required in Microsoft Office, especially graphing and data analysis in Excel.

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED AT HIRE:

• Bachelor's degree in physics or master's degree in applied physics or related field preferred.
• Experience with laboratory practices and techniques, equipment, and terminology related to physics.
• Experience with machine shop equipment and 3-D printers preferred.
• Computer proficiency in a programming language(s) preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON THE JOB:

• Knowledge of techniques and procedures required for support of laboratories, demonstrations, and student research.
• Specific knowledge of departmental facilities, personnel, policies, and procedures.