Physics & Engineering Laboratory Manager

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY • Forest Grove, OR

13d • $50,000 - $54,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (M.S.) in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum of one year of hands-on experience in laboratory management, academic technical support, or introductory-level teaching.
• Demonstrated experience or high competency with a diverse suite of shop and Makerspace tools, including woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem-solving skills; proven capacity to maintain, repair, and adapt specialized scientific hardware alongside operating systems and files.
• Ability to write clear, actionable safety parameters, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and instructional material.
• Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative skills. Must be able to deliver safety directions firmly yet diplomatically to a varied demographic of students, peers, and faculty researchers.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for inventory tracking, budgeting, and administrative archiving.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• There may be future opportunities to teach elective courses based on background (e.g., Electronics/Maker courses, Energy & Environment, or Astronomy).

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate preparation and break down laboratory setups for introductory and Workshop Physics courses.
• Partner with faculty to set up, stage, and align specialized technical equipment for upper-division courses and research laboratories.
• Collaborate closely with faculty to design, test, and prototype custom laboratory equipment and experimental apparatuses.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, updates, and minor repairs on educational computers, software packages, and specialized instrumentation.
• Maintain, diagnose, repair, and modify mechanical, wood, and metalworking equipment commonly used in physics and engineering courses to maximize tool lifespan and user safety.
• 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.
• Oversee the scheduling and use of the machine shop space, coordinate material storage, and maintain consistent cleanliness and organization of the facility.
• Facilitate clear, comprehensive training for students and faculty regarding Makerspace capabilities and advanced tool technologies (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting).
• 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.
• Establish, publish, and ensure continuous adherence to actionable Makerspace safety protocols and operating procedures.
• Oversee the strategic planning, sourcing, ordering, and budgeting of tools, components, and general laboratory stocks.
• Maintain clear, positive communication with external vendors to evaluate technical bids, manage service contracts, and lock in optimal educational pricing agreements.
• Keep meticulous, up-to-date administrative records including safety data sheets (SDS), tool operation manuals, equipment inventories, and service agreements.
• Teach introductory physics laboratories or other relevant 100 and 200-level courses, up to 6 credits per academic year.
• Annual variations above or below the 6-credit threshold will be evaluated in consultation with the Department Chair.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

What This Job Offers

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