Physics Lab Technician

Division of Academic Affairs

Instructional Support Technician II

*** Part-Time Position - 20 hours per week ***

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Assists faculty or students in independent use of equipment and in development of physics education resources. Assists faculty, students, and other technical staff in proper operation of new instruments. Provides support for various items of instructional equipment used in the Physics program and assistance as needed in computer labs. Coordinates and consults with Information Technology Services (ITS) concerning upgrading of hardware and software as necessary.

Organizes and updates the inventory for the Physics labs and prepares these labs for student use each week. Reviews new and existing lab protocols and develops and writes standard operating procedures manuals (SOPs) for laboratory preparation. Evaluates appropriate products needed and maintains and updates a library of equipment manuals and maintenance records, handbooks, and other publications. Orders equipment supplies and parts as needed to prepare laboratory activities and maintain budget and purchase records. Schedules equipment utilization and writes SOPs for new equipment. Plans for and provides a list of appropriate equipment and supplies for a basic, functional electronics lab and for its subsequent growth and maintenance.

Provides minor repairs to physics equipment. Performs periodic preventative maintenance as necessary. Sets up and operates basic to complex electronic equipment and instrumentation such as computers and peripherals, data acquisition hardware and software, electronic imaging, spectrophotometers, fluorescence microscopes, power supplies, amplifiers, telescopes, etc. When deemed necessary, arranges for return of devices to manufacturer or other repair facility or for a field engineer to come to the campus for onsite repair.

Maintains inventory of required safety equipment such as gloves, respirators, eye and ear protection, for use by students, staff, and faculty. Generates and maintains the chemical inventory for the physics department utilizing the RSS chemical application. Monitors for regulated substances and arranges for chemical waste disposal. Follows the regulations of federal and state laws concerning laboratory and chemical safety.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

Education:

Desired: Bachelor’s degree in physics or related science discipline and at least 1 year of experience providing university level laboratory support.

Experience:

Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which assigned.

OR

Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

OR

Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Other Knowledge/Skills:

Skilled and knowledgeable in electronic/electro-mechanical components, construction, and soldering techniques. After training, must be able to work independently under general supervision. Ability to adapt to new situations. Knowledge of the laboratory courses offered in an undergraduate university-level physics program and their associated equipment and supplies. Strong interpersonal skills and capable of interacting positively with students, faculty, administrators, non-technical staff and vendor representatives. Ability to communicate effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Willingness to work flexible hours including early morning, late evening, and weekends when needed with advanced notice where possible.

Physical Demands: Frequent/Continuous reaching within arm’s distance, frequent sitting in office chair or standing for up to 5- 7 hours at a time. Occasional lifting/carrying of up to 30 pounds at waist level within office and laboratory areas, continuous use of hands to operate telephone, computer systems, laboratory equipment and preparation of labs. Occasional reaching at or above waist and shoulder level. Occasional bending and/or stooping at the waist. Continuous use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, and ability to stand/walk up to 20 minutes at a time, over uneven terrain, and up slopes.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Hiring Range: $2,304 - $2,566/month (Part-time)

Advertised: Aug 14 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 28 2025 Pacific Daylight Time

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• Cal State University (CSU) Channel Islands

• 805-437-8490

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