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Academic Coordinator - Physics Learning Assistant and Lecture Demonstration Programs

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Position description

The Department of Physics at UCSB seeks a 100% time Academic Coordinator I to facilitate the Learning Assistant and Lecture Demonstration Programs and provide oversight to the Physics Study Room (PSR). The Academic Coordinator will spend approximately 50% time on each Program.

Learning Assistant Program:
The objective of the Learning Assistant Program is to bring the interactive and collaborative environment typical of a small-enrollment class into the large-enrollment upper-level and introductory physics major courses. Undergraduate students who have already performed well in a course are trained to actively help the next class of students to succeed, while receiving course credit for their training. Creating active-learning based small group discussions within a large course has been demonstrated to substantially improve the quality of physics education, increase student understanding of and satisfaction with the coursework, and increase the level of understanding and teaching skills of the Learning Assistants.

Duties and Responsibilities: Learning Assistant Program at 50% time
The Academic Coordinator will assist the Faculty Program Coordinator with further development and implementation of the Learning Assistant Program. Specific assignments include:

  1. Actively participate in the training of Physics LAs.
  2. Recruit LAs by promoting the program through social media, information sessions, and personal engagement efforts.
  3. Develop informational resources for LAs, students, and faculty including a dedicated webpage and printed materials.
  4. Participate in regular program assessment and improvement strategies.
  5. The Learning Assistant Program Coordinator will also be responsible for overseeing and supervising the Physics Study Center (PSR), including the supervision of Teaching Assistants and Tutors working in the PSR as well as recruitment of any associated undergraduate tutors.

Lecture Demonstration Program:
The Academic Coordinator I will provide support to the Physics Lecture Demonstration Program in the design, improvisation, set-up and training in lecture demonstrations on a variety of topics including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics.

Duties and Responsibilities: Lecture Demonstrations at 50% time
The Academic Coordinator will be responsible for assisting the Lecture Demonstration Coordinator with management of the Lecture Demonstration Program. Specific assignments include:

  1. Participate in the development and assembly of a variety of complex lecture demonstration apparatus including electronics, mechanical systems, laptop demonstrations.
  2. Actively participate in the training of graduate students and faculty regarding safety issues and demonstration operations as needed.
  3. Responsible for developing and updating a computer-based inventorial tracking system of historical and current lecture demonstrations.
  4. Develop and implement online lecture demonstration request processes and materials.
  5. Provide support and training on the use of departmental telescopes to graduate student TAs and undergraduate majors as needed.
  6. General repair/maintenance of equipment

At minimum, applicants must be within three months of graduation for a Bachelor's degree in physics or a related field at the time of application. A Bachelor's degree will be expected at time of appointment. Preferred applicants will have knowledge of scientific laboratory techniques; demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills; experience presenting information sessions and using social networking to inform and engage students; experience with collaborative learning programs and activities; knowledge of computer systems, software and hardware common to instructional laboratories; knowledge of managing inventory and procuring supplies; and experience working with a diversity of students and faculty in the academic environment. The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position

Position is anticipated to begin in September 2019.
Applicants should submit their cover letter, CV and contacts for 2 references on or before August 29, 2019 for primary consideration. All applications must be received through UC Recruit. Interested applicants should apply at the following link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF01559.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2-4 required (contact information only)

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA