Physics & Engineering Laboratory Manager

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

Annual Salary: $50,000 - $54,000

FTE: 0.83 (10-Month Contract, August - May)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Physics & Engineering Laboratory Manager provides comprehensive technical, instructional, and administrative support to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality educational experiences within the department's laboratories, machine shop, and Makerspace. This multi-faceted role combines laboratory management, technical equipment maintenance, safety training compliance, student mentorship, and instructional duties.

The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty to design, prototype, and set up experiments. They are responsible for managing laboratory inventory, coordinating procurement, and maintaining specialized physics and engineering equipment, as well as associated computer systems and files. Additionally, the Laboratory Manager is responsible for teaching introductory laboratory sections and/or other 100-level courses. The position serves as the primary coordinator for safety training, compliance, and asset management across all department facilities, the machine shop, and the Makerspace.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Physics & Engineering Laboratory Management

• Lab Setup & Coordination: Manage and coordinate preparation and break down laboratory setups for introductory and Workshop Physics courses.
• Faculty Collaboration: Partner with faculty to set up, stage, and align specialized technical equipment for upper-division courses and research laboratories.
• Experimental Prototyping: Collaborate closely with faculty to design, test, and prototype custom laboratory equipment and experimental apparatuses.
• Asset & Computer Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, updates, and minor repairs on educational computers, software packages, and specialized instrumentation.
• Work Style: Demonstrates high initiative, manages overlapping priorities effectively, and works independently to accomplish programmatic tasks and duties.

1. Machine Shop Supervision & Technical Maintenance

• Equipment Care: Maintain, diagnose, repair, and modify mechanical, wood, and metalworking equipment commonly used in physics and engineering courses to maximize tool lifespan and user safety.
• Training Coordination: Design, implement, and lead safety and equipment training protocols for students, staff, and faculty ensuring safe, effective operation of shop equipment that reflects industry preparation standards.
• Facility Operations: Oversee the scheduling and use of the machine shop space, coordinate material storage, and maintain consistent cleanliness and organization of the facility.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Enforce compliance with institutional and governmental safety rules and standards.

1. Makerspace Inventory & Training Coordination

• User Training: Facilitate clear, comprehensive training for students and faculty regarding Makerspace capabilities and advanced tool technologies (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting).
• Inventory Control & Procurement: Manage and track supply chains, materials, and equipment inventories for the Makerspace to enhance equipment usage for both internal academic tasks and industry collaborative projects.
• Operational Safety: Establish, publish, and ensure continuous adherence to actionable Makerspace safety protocols and operating procedures.

1. Procurement & Administrative Support

• Materials Logistics: Oversee the strategic planning, sourcing, ordering, and budgeting of tools, components, and general laboratory stocks.
• Vendor Management: Maintain clear, positive communication with external vendors to evaluate technical bids, manage service contracts, and lock in optimal educational pricing agreements.
• Records Oversight: Keep meticulous, up-to-date administrative records including safety data sheets (SDS), tool operation manuals, equipment inventories, and service agreements.

1. Instructional & Teaching Duties

• Core Teaching Load: Teach introductory physics laboratories or other relevant 100 and 200-level courses, up to 6 credits per academic year. There may be future opportunities to teach elective courses based on background (e.g., Electronics/Maker courses, Energy & Environment, or Astronomy).
• Workload Adjustments: Annual variations above or below the 6-credit threshold will be evaluated in consultation with the Department Chair.