Physics Laboratory Technician

JOB PURPOSE:

As a Physics Laboratory Technician, the selected candidate will play a critical role in supporting the Physics teaching-learning and research activities by managing, preparing, maintaining, and overseeing the entire activities of the Physics Lab at NTU. The candidate manages equipment and instruments used in physics experiments, research, and demonstrations. Responsibilities include supervising laboratory and research activities, preparing learning materials, assessing, evaluating and grading experiments and homework, providing instructional support to students and faculty, and managing laboratory materials and supplies. Additionally, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, handling hazardous materials, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace is essential.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Schedules and oversees all the Physics laboratories at NTU.
• Prepare and set up physics laboratory learning materials, equipment and apparatus for experiments and demonstrations. Ensure the safety, readiness and proper maintenance of lab equipment for all experimental and research setups.
• Assisting the Physics faculty in Lab and research activities. Independently instruct physics lab sessions, including preparing and printing lab learning materials, conducting experiments, demonstrating concepts, and grading assessments.
• Supervise and oversee physics lab sessions, developing safety procedures and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Assembles supplies and constructs apparatus; sets up and assist in conducting classroom experiments and demonstrations. Assist with data collection and analysis during experiments. Provide support in data entry and analysis using and updating relevant software and tools.
• Instructs students with a focus on promoting diversity and equity, guiding them through experiments, emphasizing the safe and proper usage of a wide range of equipment, instruments, and tools, while ensuring inclusivity and acquainting students with the established policies within the Physics laboratory.
• Issues and receives materials and equipment for student use in the laboratory and classroom assignments; keeps records, and ensures the return of supplies and equipment checked out to students for laboratory use.
• Maintains basic knowledge to manage, operates and makes minor adjustments and repairs on laboratory equipment, such as power sources, electric-meters, soldering, electric boards, storing low-level radioactive materials, etc.
• Maintains all Physics inventory records of supplies, materials, and equipment, and prepare requisitions as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to student employees working in the physics lab.
• Support research activities, attend and organize conferences and fieldworks.
• Develop materials, adhere to and promote safety protocols, environmental regulations, and infection control practices within the physics laboratory. Properly handle low level radioactive materials. Controls and mange dispose of hazardous materials, biohazard waste, and chemical waste in accordance with guidelines. Washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware.
• Assist with laboratory administration tasks, such as ordering supplies, writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and maintaining inventory records.
• Assists faculty in performing undergraduate research and organizing field trips.
• Provide training and direction for student employees.
• Assists the Physics Faculty with laboratory preparation, conducting tests and grading.
• Performs tests and procedures using laboratory equipment.
• Assists students in lab experimentation, as appropriate; provides guidance in learning and/or functional operation of experiments and equipment.
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Assist in physics research activities, including organizing conferences, fieldwork, and related travel logistics. Support faculty in organizing and conducting undergraduate research projects, as well as coordinating field trips which may require driving.
• Assist the Physics faculty in administrating the lab and office, purchasing, writing proposals, auditing all equipment in the lab, writing department's report, project reports, coordinating, training and managing students and research assistants.
• Stay updated on the latest developments and practices in the field of physics. Maintain detailed records of lab documents, safety protocols, chemical inventory, and equipment records.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Physics Faculty or Chair.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Science (Physics preferred) or other scientific discipline, or related
• One-year Physics or Science laboratory technician experience is desired.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions or transfers of individuals into this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• General Physics knowledge
• Skilled in scientific laboratory procedures and techniques used in a Physics laboratory.
• Skilled in operating scientific laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Familiar with scientific methods of measurements.
• Health and safety practices and precautions applicable to a Physics laboratory.
• Principles of recordkeeping. Knowledge of the principles and practices of laboratory operation.
• Follow complex instructions and formulae in the preparation and construction of media and equipment set-ups.
• Effectively and safely operate, adapt, and maintain scientific equipment.
• Perform minor repairs and adjustments to a variety of laboratory equipment.
• Stay abreast of technical subjects, practices, and developments in the field of Physics.
• Keep detailed and precise records of lab documents such as lab safety protocols etc.
• Maintain detailed chemical inventory, and inventory of equipment and tools.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with students and instructional staff.
• Give clear and concise instructions to students.
• Skilled in contacting equipment vendors and schedule maintenance of equipment.
• Skilled in operating computers, phone systems, and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and FEPA standards.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand for prolonged periods, walk, and sit.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-40 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is generally performed in the laboratory setting.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.