Physics & Engineering Laboratory Manager

Job Details Location: Forest Grove Campus - Forest Grove, OR 97116 Position Type: Exempt 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, manage laboratory inventory, coordinate procurement, maintain specialized equipment and associated computer systems, and teach 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. Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities Physics & Engineering Laboratory Management Lab Setup & Coordination: Manage and coordinate preparation and breakdown of 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: Demonstrate high initiative, manage overlapping priorities effectively, and work independently to accomplish programmatic tasks and duties. Machine Shop Supervision & Technical Maintenance Equipment Care: Maintain, diagnose, repair, and modify mechanical, wood, and metalworking equipment commonly used in physics and engineering courses. Training Coordination: Design, implement, and lead safety and equipment training protocols for students, staff, and faculty. Facility Operations: Oversee scheduling, material storage, and maintain cleanliness and organization of the machine shop. Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Enforce compliance with institutional and governmental safety rules and standards. 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. Operational Safety: Establish, publish, and ensure adherence to Makerspace safety protocols and operating procedures. Procurement & Administrative Support Materials Logistics: Oversee planning, sourcing, ordering, and budgeting of tools, components, and general laboratory supplies. Vendor Management: Maintain communication with external vendors to evaluate bids, manage contracts, and secure optimal pricing. Records Oversight: Keep meticulous, up-to-date records including safety data sheets, tool manuals, equipment inventories, and agreements. Instructional & Teaching Duties Core Teaching Load: Teach introductory physics laboratories or other 100‐and 200‐level courses, up to 6 credits per academic year. Workload Adjustments: Annual variations above or below the 6‐credit threshold will be evaluated with the Department Chair. Qualifications Education: Master’s degree (M.S.) in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience: Minimum of one year of hands‑on laboratory management, academic technical support, or introductory‐level teaching. Technical Breadth: Demonstrated ability or competency with diverse shop and Makerspace tools, including woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting. Diagnostic Abilities: Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem‐solving skills, with capacity to maintain, repair, and adapt specialized hardware and operating systems. Policy Development: Ability to write clear safety parameters, SOPs, and instructional materials. Interpersonal Skills: Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative skills; able to deliver safety directions diplomatically to varied demographics. Software Literacy: Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for inventory, budgeting, and record keeping. Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Location: Fully on‐site at Forest Grove Campus. Schedule: Standard weekday hours Monday‐Friday aligned with academic calendar. Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for prolonged periods, and handle tools safely. Travel: None. Compensation and Benefits Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave) Medical coverage with alternative care options (in‐network services covered 100% after payroll deduction) Comprehensive dental and vision plans Generous retirement contribution after one year of service (no match required) Free mental health appointments Tuition remission for employees and eligible dependent children On‐campus benefits: free access to sports facility and library Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes) Equal Opportunity Employment Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups. Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr