Staff Associate II - Physics Design Laboratory

The Department of Physics at Columbia University invites applications for a Staff Associate II to manage the Physics Design Laboratory. The Physics Design Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility that provides support for design, fabrication, prototyping, and modification of measurement equipment for experimental research within the Physics department. The Staff Associate will be expected to maintain the lab, provide user training, guide design and fabrication efforts of student and staff researchers while also performing independent work as needed, and foster a safe and creative environment for experimental physics and engineering work.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the daily operation of the Physics Design Laboratory and ensuring safe and effective use of equipment and facilities.
• Providing engineering expertise to researchers in all phases of experimental design and testing.
• Problem solving directly with researchers and students to further research objectives.
• Providing consultations for advanced fabrication techniques and CAM programming.
• Supporting faculty in the development and implementation of laboratory activities and design-based courses.
• Training students in the safe use of machine tools, electronics equipment, and fabrication resources.
• Assisting with procurement, inventory management, and maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Performing independent design and fabrication work as needed.
• Developing documentation and safety protocols for laboratory operations
• Ensuring regulatory and safety compliance pursuant to OSHA, EH&S, EPA, FDNY, etc. and act as lead Machine Shop safety officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience with metal fabrication, conventional and CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting.
• Innovative and experience-based problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing workplace safety.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.

Preferred

• Experience supporting instructional laboratories or maker spaces.
• Experience mentoring or training students in experimental techniques.
• Experience with 3D cad design software.
• Familiarity with experimental equipment found in physics research laboratories (cryogenic, electronic, magnetic, vacuum, and optical tools).

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.