Notre Dame, Indiana, United States · On-site
$22/hr–$33/hr
The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community whe…
Skills: Laboratory Management, Supervision, Equipment Maintenance, Physics Instrumentation, Safety Compliance
Notre Dame, Indiana, United States • On-site
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The Laboratory Physicist manages introductory physics labs by training and supervising graduate teaching assistants and ensuring grading consistency. They are also responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and repairing laboratory equipment while collaborating with faculty to improve learning outcomes.
A bachelor's degree in physics or a related field with strong domain knowledge and technical skills is required. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills and the physical ability to lift 30 lbs and stand for extended periods.
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Physics & Astronomy
The University of Mississippi’s Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks a Laboratory Physicist to join the team managing the department’s introductory physics labs. The Laboratory Physicist is responsible for training and supervising graduate teaching assistants (TAs), purchasing and maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all laboratory activities comply with safety regulations and best practices.
The Laboratory Physicist operates in collaboration with the physics faculty (especially the instructors of record for our 1000- and 2000-level courses and the corresponding course coordinators) and with an eye to advancing department priorities, which include improving learning outcomes in the labs and recruiting more students into the physics major. Much of the day-to-day work involves overseeing the TAs who run the dozens of lab sections that the department offers. The varied job responsibilities include convening weekly TA meetings, ensuring fairness and uniformity in grading, handling undergraduate student concerns, and troubleshooting technical problems as they arise. The Laboratory Physicist may be asked to participate in the redesign of existing experiments and the development of new ones.
All teaching labs are in the new, state-of-the-art Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation. This interdisciplinary facility hosts undergraduate labs from several science departments, as well as the Center for STEM learning, which studies and promotes modern evidence-based pedagogy.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in physics and familiarity with laboratory equipment and instrumentation. We anticipate hiring a candidate with a degree in physics, but other credentials in adjacent fields may be acceptable if the candidate has the requisite domain knowledge and technical skills and can demonstrate an aptitude for the teaching, managerial, and supervisory aspects of the position. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and proficiency with computers (at the level of Microsoft Office) are required. Basic graphic design skills and experience with computer programming and web development are desirable but not necessary.
The job involves some physical exertion, primarily moving and setting up scientific equipment and roving lab to lab within the building. Candidates should be able to lift 30 lbs. and be willing to be on their feet for two hours at a time. The Laboratory Physicist may be called on to make minor repairs to damaged equipment in the teaching labs. The expectation is that the candidate will have basic shop skills and the ability to use standard hand tools. Soldering skills would be helpful but are not necessary.
The Laboratory Physicist position is full-time and offers all the benefits that are available to university employees. The department is eager to recruit a candidate who is interested in ongoing employment, open to a long-term commitment to living and working in Oxford, and ready to lean into a linchpin role in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The successful Laboratory Physicist will thrive in a fast-paced environment where challenging problems must be solved in real time and be adept at juggling multiple tasks. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a passion for the educational mission.
Applications should be submitted online via the Workday portal, which is accessible from https://olemiss.edu/hr/um-careers/ by clicking through to External Applicants > Staff Openings. Evaluation of applicants will begin on Friday, July 3 and continue until the position is filled. The expected date of employment is August 20, in advance of the Fall 2026 academic semester, but a Spring 2027 start is also possible. Questions should be directed to [email protected].
Key Responsibilities
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
The Career Center's mission is to assist students in the successful transition from academia to the world of work.
The Career Center’s mission is to collaborate with the university community to provide services, resources, and professional networking opportunities. We educate students in the exploration of occupational pathways and in the development of career readiness skills that prepare students to compete in the global market. Make sure to join us on Handshake at: https://olemiss.joinhandshake.com/
Offices: 303 Martindale, University, MS 38677, US
The Career Center's mission is to assist students in the successful transition from academia to the world of work.
The Career Center’s mission is to collaborate with the university community to provide services, resources, and professional networking opportunities. We educate students in the exploration of occupational pathways and in the development of career readiness skills that prepare students to compete in the global market. Make sure to join us on Handshake at: https://olemiss.joinhandshake.com/
Offices: 303 Martindale, University, MS 38677, US
