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Bloomington,
Posted: 06-Jun-26
Type: Full-time
Categories:
Internal Number: R151920
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 departments 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.
Required Education
Bachelors degree in physics or engineering related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Qualifications
Required: At least 2 years of relevant experience in design, construction, troubleshooting and maintenance of physics laboratory equipment.
Desired: Experience with design and construction of analog and digital circuits/devices
The pay range for this job profile is $22.93-$29.95 The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.
The College
With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.
Department Information
The Department of Physics at The Ohio State University is one of the universitys largest, offering a broad range of research areas and academic programs. As a department in the division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of the Arts and Sciences, the Department of Physics occupies the Physics Research Building as well as instructional and advising space in Smith Laboratory, the former home of the department. The department is the home to multiple internationally renowned centers and research facilities. The department currently has 50 faculty and approximately 60 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists, 210 graduate students, and 430 undergraduate majors. For more information, see: https://physics.osu.edu/about-us.
