Instructional Aid Specialist

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

2d • $23 - $30

About The Position

The Instructional Aid Specialist promotes and strengthens the academic environment by supporting the design, implementation, and assessment of effective learning tools associated with laboratories, lecture demonstrations, and instructional technology for courses in the Department of Physics. This role supports the department’s introductory courses, which serve approximately 7,000 students per year and over 50 faculty members. In collaboration with the Instructional Aid Manager, the Instructional Aid Specialist assists with developing, updating, maintaining, and setting up instructional technology for physics courses, using project management strategies to coordinate timelines and resources. The Instructional Aid Specialist also contributes to the design and construction of instructional technology and equipment for use in labs and lecture demonstrations, including 3D printing, basic software development, and introductory-level circuit design, and consults with machinists in the production of custom-designed equipment. The Instructional Aid Specialist demonstrates instrumentation and instructional hardware for teaching faculty and provides training on proper equipment use. The role partners with lab trainers and coordinators to support equipment use and the development of evidence-based instructional approaches. In addition, the position provides technical support and guidance to faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching associates related to instructional laboratories and introductory courses. This position supports troubleshooting and repair of lab equipment, including diagnostics and maintenance of tools, apparatus, data acquisition hardware, and electrical instruments used in introductory physics laboratories and lecture demonstrations. The role also assists with decision-making related to lab equipment purchases, including computer hardware and software and audio-visual equipment, and supports procurement activities for the instructional lab team. In collaboration with the Instructional Aid Manager, the Instructional Aid Specialist supports planning and facilitation of lab demonstrations for outreach and educational events, including events at the Ohio State Fair. The position maintains documentation related to standard operating procedures and safety requirements for lecture demonstrations and laboratory equipment and consults with department safety personnel as needed. The Instructional Aid Specialist coordinates with IT on technical matters involving instructional labs and may perform video recording, editing, and production as needed. This position requires flexibility to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends, based on course schedules and outreach events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or related area, or equivalent experience.
• 2 years of experience in design, construction, and maintenance of laboratory equipment with at least 1-2 years in an instructional setting.

Nice To Haves

• experience with design and construction of analog and digital circuits/devices

Responsibilities

• Supports the design, implementation, and assessment of effective learning tools associated with laboratories, lecture demonstrations, and instructional technology for courses in the Department of Physics.
• Assists with developing, updating, maintaining, and setting up instructional technology for physics courses, using project management strategies to coordinate timelines and resources.
• Contributes to the design and construction of instructional technology and equipment for use in labs and lecture demonstrations, including 3D printing, basic software development, and introductory-level circuit design, and consults with machinists in the production of custom-designed equipment.
• Demonstrates instrumentation and instructional hardware for teaching faculty and provides training on proper equipment use.
• Partners with lab trainers and coordinators to support equipment use and the development of evidence-based instructional approaches.
• Provides technical support and guidance to faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching associates related to instructional laboratories and introductory courses.
• Supports troubleshooting and repair of lab equipment, including diagnostics and maintenance of tools, apparatus, data acquisition hardware, and electrical instruments used in introductory physics laboratories and lecture demonstrations.
• Assists with decision-making related to lab equipment purchases, including computer hardware and software and audio-visual equipment, and supports procurement activities for the instructional lab team.
• Supports planning and facilitation of lab demonstrations for outreach and educational events, including events at the Ohio State Fair.
• Maintains documentation related to standard operating procedures and safety requirements for lecture demonstrations and laboratory equipment and consults with department safety personnel as needed.
• Coordinates with IT on technical matters involving instructional labs and may perform video recording, editing, and production as needed.

Benefits

• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level