Physics Lab Coordinator (Onsite) Job Listing at University of California in Merced, CA (Job ID 67194)

Description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is STEP 1: $64,496.38- STEP 25:$103,718.76  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is STEP 1: $64,496.38.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around April 18th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit UPTE: Research Support Professionals - RX. 

This position is fully on-site. 

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

Under the direction of the Physical Sciences Instructional Laboratory Manager, the incumbent has the responsibility for the supervision, management, and direction of physics instructional preparation facilities, laboratories, and support staff. The incumbent will work with faculty and teaching assistants to provide a quality lab experience for undergraduate students. The position requires extensive knowledge of multiple fields within physics; an interest in applying biology and chemistry techniques to physics concepts; the ability to work collaboratively with student assistants, staff, teaching assistants, faculty, and their supervisor; the ability to act independently to solve situations regarding laboratory experiments and personnel; maintain confidentiality; practice ethical decision making; and show sound judgment in budgetary matters.

Responsibilities include working with faculty to develop new and continuously improve existing lab experiments, training of student lab staff in scientific procedures and techniques, establishing appropriate laboratory safety protocols for staff and students, and ensuring the maintenance and repair of the facilities. Incumbent also ascertains and researches equipment needs for purchase and makes provision for the support of activities such as lecture demonstrations and special events. 

The successful incumbent will take complete responsibility for all aspects required for the successful delivery of upper and lower-division physics lab courses that cover multiple distinct physics subject areas. The specific courses will change based on course offerings from semester to semester but it is expected that the incumbent will be responsible for introductory physics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, and elective physics labs, such as electronics. The incumbent will take complete responsibility for all aspects of operation and maintenance for the physics instructional equipment in their courses, potentially including, but not limited to, dynamics equipment, electricity, and magnetism equipment, microscopes, spectrometers, radioactive materials and equipment, and specialized experimental set-ups. The incumbent is responsible for supervising the operations of the physics instructional lab group for 3-4 lab courses and serve as backup support for the remaining physics courses. Effective communication with faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students for collaboration and to provide assistance, supervision, or instruction is essential to the successful performance of the position. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Laboratory Duties: Revise and maintain current electronic versions of lab preparation protocols for assigned physics labs, including, but not limited to, set up sheets, service checklists, chemical preparation sheets, supply preparation sheets, and informational documents, to be used by the lab staff. Keep hard copies of all lab preparation protocols up-to-date.
• Laboratory Duties: Provide direct support for assigned physics labs, with the help of student assistants. Troubleshoot labs ahead of time, set up labs, be available during most labs, and break down labs.
• Laboratory Duties: Provide maintenance and repair of physics equipment in assigned physics labs. Schedule regular checks and cleaning of equipment for routine maintenance. Troubleshoot student labs in progress. 
• Laboratory Duties: Maintain chemical, supply, and equipment inventories on a weekly basis for assigned physics labs. 
• Laboratory Duties: Advise the Physical Sciences Instructional Lab Manager on repair or improvement of equipment and facilities with the physics instructional labs, prep rooms, and storage areas. 
• Laboratory Safety: Keep current on relevant safety issues through training and research. Advise lab staff and teaching assistants regarding issues of safety, particularly radiation and laser safety. Keep SDS binders up-to-date in physics lab rooms and preparation areas. Maintain proper collection of hazards generated in labs and prep areas. Provide for safe disposal of waste. Inspect teaching labs and radiation storage areas for compliance and building issues. Submit necessary repair requests and keep records of submissions. Respond to incidents within the teaching labs/preparation areas at any time to assess the situation, provide needed assistance, and/or take charge of emergency situations. Act as emergency contact for assigned physics labs. Report incidents to Physical Sciences Instructional Lab Manager and the proper campus agencies. 
• Purchasing/Receiving: Order and maintain adequate stocks of materials for assigned physics lab courses and prep areas. Follow proper procedures for the receipt and storage of regulated materials. As needed, make local purchases and submit reimbursements. Update expenses spreadsheets and maintain hard copy records of purchases. Receive incoming orders, store in appropriate locations in a timely manner, and update inventory to reflect new amounts. 
• Lab Development & Training: Collaborate with faculty and Physical Sciences Instructional Lab Manager to develop and implement new or improved lab experiments. Research new equipment for new or improved experiments. Work with instructors to establish the schedule and content of the lab courses each semester. 
• Lab Development & Training: Work with TAs for assigned physics labs. Conduct weekly TA meetings to review safety and troubleshooting information. Monitor in-progress labs for improvements to preparation or experiments. 
• Lab Development & Training: Train student assistants and lab staff on proper lab procedures for assigned physics labs, including but not limited to lab maintenance, cleaning, and use of equipment.
• Supervisory Duties: Hire, on-board, train, and supervise student assistants. Serve on search committees. Conduct semester performance evaluations. Establish work schedules. Train them on their duties. Be available for questions and consultation. Ensure student assistants take required EH&S training.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma, General Equivalency Degree (GED), or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) or equivalent. (Required) 
• Bachelor's degree Physics or related field. (Preferred)
• Advanced degree Physics or related field. (Preferred)
• Incumbents are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions. These skills, knowledge, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of extensive study and experience. (Required) 
• Bachelor's degree and 4 years of additional lab support experience. (Preferred) 
• Master's degree and 2 years of additional lab support experience. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated experience developing or modifying lab experiments for undergraduate students. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated experience in general laboratory skills, including accuracy in lab preparation, ordering of supplies, and safe laboratory practices. 
• Demonstrated ability to use, understand, and learn both simple and complex equipment. 
• Knowledge of the use and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, including, but not limited to, spectrometers, power supplies, DMMs, radiation equipment, optical components, and computers. 
• Manual dexterity to handle small or sensitive pieces of equipment and chemicals. 
• Demonstrated experience maintaining equipment and supply stocks. 
• Demonstrated skill in writing logical, concise, and grammatically correct documents and procedures and instructions. 
• Demonstrated ability to adapt laboratory procedures in a clear and concise manner. (Preferred)
• Knowledge to research standard and uncommon laboratory reference materials, including, but not limited to, vendor websites, SDSs, and EH&S resources, to determine safe handling methods for potentially hazardous equipment and materials. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with people from a wide variety of ethnic, social, and educational backgrounds. 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively to achieve a common goal. 
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to prioritize work for self and others. (Preferred) 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and practice ethical standards. 
• Demonstrated skill with computers, including, but not limited to, software use (various Microsoft software, Origin Pro, LabVIEW, and web-based programs), maintaining computer systems, upgrading software, and troubleshooting issues.

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7    (on the application)               Referrals          

How did you hear about the job?               (select) “other”

Additional information?                              (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                          (write in) first and last name of referring employee  

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility. 

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