Job Description
Wentworth Institute of Technology has an immediate need for a Physics Lab Technician in the School of Sciences and Humanities at Wentworth.
Reporting to the Lab Manager, the Physics Lab Technician is responsible for supporting the physics classes within the School of Sciences and Humanities. This critical role supports the operations within each lab area to ensure lab safety and maintenance. The Lab Technician will be responsible for Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) protocols, such as overseeing lab safety guidelines, and protective equipment rules. They will work with faculty teaching the physics courses to ensure that the laboratory activities are prepared as the faculty desires with the necessary support. This person may also work with physics faculty and students on their research projects, if needed.
There are 3 large, multi-section physics courses that require significant support and are taught every semester, including summer. These include:
- PHYS 1000- College Physics - General introduction to mechanics, equilibrium, work and energy aimed at non-engineering/science students.
- PHYS 1250- Engineering Physics 1-A calculus-based course examining the principles and applications of mechanics, covering topics including Newton’s laws, equilibrium, work, energy, power, momentum, and circular motion for engineering and science students.
- PHYS 1750- Engineering Physics 2- A second, calculus-based course examining the physical properties of solids and fluids, atomic structure, heat, sound, wave motion, electricity and magnetism.
- Other classes in physics will also need support for the labs like Astronomy, Optics and Video Game physics as well as others.
Essential Job Functions
- Collect and prepare equipment and material at bench or in room for students as required by student protocols or faculty requests;
- Adapt labs as needed, which may include testing, recording, and writing up changes;
- Track material needs for courses;
- Train faculty on lab equipment, if needed;
- Purchase materials and produce expense reports for lab-relevant materials;
- Manage budget expenditures and research materials;
- Supervise department student employees (co-ops and work study), when applicable;
- Support the execution of the lab by assisting the instructor with technique, equipment, and student questions;
- Support collaboration across disciplines and schools on essential job duties as needed.
- Ensure faculty, students, and staff (including all student employees) using a laboratory are aware of and following proper lab safety procedures and safety responses;
- Maintain records of signed student lab safety agreement sheets;
- Maintain optimal laboratory conditions—cleanliness, basic expected supplies, laser safety, hazardous waste disposal in communication with Environmental Health & Safety staff;
- Enact emergency responses as needed for safety incidents, or any incidents in which the lab technician is the direct reporter on the scene;
- Enforce of safety regulations according to EH&S guidelines alongside lab staff;
- Work with the lab manager and other lab team members on incident reports, safety sheet filing, team-applicable safety responses, risk assessments, and safety reviews, and support basic WIT safety procedures alongside the EH&S team.
Additional Job Functions
- Troubleshoot safe alternatives for lab materials alongside the instructor of record, lab staff, and Environmental Health & Safety team;
- Support faculty, research and capstone students on a variety of lab-related and research activities.
Minimum Requirements (education, experience, skills):
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering or a related field;
- Familiarity with standard lab safety guidelines.
- Working knowledge of concepts, practices, procedures in physics, and the ability to use them in varied situations.
- 1 – 3 years of experience in a teaching laboratory space, preferably in physics.
Preferred Qualifications (additional credentials, licensure, experience, skills):
- Familiarity with preparing a lab procedure to be implemented for multiple groups of students.
- Interaction with faculty at an institution of higher education- ideally in the area of physics.
Key Competencies:
- Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail in managing data and resolving discrepancies.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, address, and/or escalate issues promptly and effectively.
- Adaptability: The ability to manage changing priorities and adapt to evolving schedule changes, such as inclement weather and College closures.
Position Details and Work Environment:
- This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position (37.5 hours/ week);
- This is an hourly position that is eligible for overtime;
- This is a campus-based, on-site position, with some flexibility to work from home if the workload permits;
- Work may require protective equipment such as masks, lab coats, chemical-resistant shoes, goggles, or gloves.
- Work is performed in an office or laboratory
- Physical demands may include sitting, standing, stooping, walking, and lifting
- Early morning, evening, night, and weekend work may be required.
Inclusive Excellence at Wentworth
Wentworth Institute of Technology is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all University programs and activities. The University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status or any other category protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.
To find out more about the Wentworth’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, please visit the website https://wit.edu/about/diversity.
All applicants have the right to accessibility support and accommodations. To request accessibility support or accommodations, contact the Executive Director of Equity and Compliance, Catlin Wells, at wellsc1@wit.edu.
E-Verify for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
Wentworth participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
