Opportunities

Job Summary

• DATE POSTED 2/29/2024
• Schedule Full-time
• Job Code 4947
• Employee Status Regular
• Grade J
• Requisition ID 102412
• Work Arrangement On Site

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Physics Education Lab Manager 

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 23 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Stanford's Physics Department is a teaching and research department in the School of Humanities and Sciences.  For undergraduates, we offer Physics majors and minors with a variety of pathways.  For graduate students, we offer a Physics Ph.D. program. The department has approximately 50 faculty members, over 200 graduate students, over 70 undergraduate students, and approximately 30 staff members. Website: https://physics.stanford.edu/

The Department of Physics is seeking an Education Lab Manager to support multiple aspects of the Department’s educational mission, under the general supervision of the Associate Chair of Physics for Undergraduate Education.  Primary responsibilities will include management and curation of apparatus for advanced teaching labs in consultation with course instructors, as well as some of the following, depending on the successful candidate’s skills and interests: advising and education of undergraduate students, training of graduate teaching assistants, assisting with the undergraduate summer research program, management and development of lecture demonstration experiments, and directing work of other staff.  Specific duties may evolve over time as the educational needs of the Department change, so flexibility is essential and interest in ongoing learning is welcomed.  We are looking for a person with physics knowledge, at least equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, and experience and enthusiasm for working hands-on with experimental hardware. Candidates should ideally be skilled  with at least one of the following categories of instrumentation commonly found in physics experiments and specifically in our instructional labs: electronics, optics, vacuum systems, and low temperature (cryogenic) systems.  This position will involve education of both undergraduate students and graduate teaching assistants, and close coordination with instructors, so good communication and pedagogical experience are important.

This is a 100% FTE, continuing, exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. A resume and cover letter are required. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

CORE DUTIES:

•  Oversee operation, maintenance, and evolution of teaching lab facilities.
• Collaborate with faculty and department leadership to: (i) Allocate lab space for current teaching needs, and (ii) Create strategic plans for future teaching lab needs.
• Plan and determine equipment needs, authorize purchase of equipment including capital improvements, and manage installation of equipment and instruments, in collaboration with facilities services staff. Maintain existing equipment and plan equipment upgrade/replacement/repair options, based on latest technological advances and current and future needs. Negotiate, select, and monitor complex equipment service contracts and warranties with vendors.
• Design and implement plans for renovation of equipment and/or facilities; manage complex laboratory moves in collaboration with facilities services staff.
• Develop and administer health and safety training, and ensure safety compliance,  for the teaching lab facilities; coordinate with school and/or university health and safety office as appropriate.
• Manage and develop lecture demonstration experiment

*Other duties will likely also be assigned, possibly including

•  Participate in advising and education of undergraduate students, including classroom teaching in a laboratory context
• Assist in training of graduate teaching assistants
• Assist in managing the summer undergraduate research program
• Direct work of other staff

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Physics or a related discipline, and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience. Advanced degree in Physics or relevant discipline preferred but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience with, and enthusiasm for, working hands-on with hardware, ideally including at least one of electronics, optics, vacuum systems, or cryogenic systems.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of physics (particularly electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics/statistical mechanics) at undergraduate level or beyond, and interest in learning more about how to apply these in the context of topics relevant in our advanced and in some cases open-ended lab courses: optics, materials, electronics, and cryogenics.
• Experience in managing facilities, operations, and equipment (including maintenance) in a research, teaching, or manufacturing setting.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment.
• Appreciation of the importance of careful working practices to maintain safety for staff and students working in lab spaces, and to comply with health and safety regulations.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Interest in keeping informed on developments in experimental physics instruction, through engagement with counterparts at peer universities and through active participation in broader communities focused on physics instruction such as the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the Advanced Laboratory Physics Association (ALPhA).
• Experience working with experimental physics apparatus, including experience with measurement, and ability to explain and apply concepts of noise and uncertainty.
• Interfacing experimental systems with computers
• Teaching or other pedagogical experience
• Experience as a supervisor and managing budgets

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Will at times be required to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials are present, with proper safety procedures in place. Specific hazards include, but are not limited to, lasers, high voltages and currents, electromagnets, acids, bases, solvents, lead-based solder, inert gases, and cryogenic fluids.
• Must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, etc.
• May work extended or unusual work hours due to research or project requirements and peak work cycles. After hours on-call availability is occasionally required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks
• lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds
• sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds
• Write by hand, occasionally use a telephone
• ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others
• on-campus mobility

The expected pay range for this position is $97,000 to $128,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants

requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr [at] stanford.edu (stanfordelr[at]stanford[dot]edu). For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and 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, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Lecturer in Physics, Stanford University, Department of Physics

The Stanford Physics Department invites applications for a Lecturer position to begin in Summer or Autumn quarter 2024. This position is a full-time, twelve-month, benefits-eligible, teaching position. The initial appointment is for a term of 2 years with possible reappointment after that. The primary role of this position will be to teach introductory physics courses, possibly in partnership with another instructor. Duties will include assisting the department in a restructuring of the introductory physics courses and laboratories, both in terms of the course sequences offered and the curriculum and pedagogy of the courses. The Lecturer should be knowledgeable in curriculum and course design, including effective pedagogy and equitable assessment, as well as in evaluating the success of new offerings, and able to work collaboratively with faculty in the course restructuring process. A Ph.D. or equivalent is required. In addition to instruction, the candidate will be responsible for helping to manage the introductory physics courses, including mentoring and managing the intro course teaching assistants, supporting faculty new to teaching these courses, helping with other aspects of the physics education program, and participating in Department committees, as appropriate. They will also contribute to ensuring continuous improvement of these courses, monitoring the outcomes, and making ongoing improvements.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statement of teaching philosophy and experience (two pages maximum) and arrange for the submission of three letters of recommendation addressing their teaching and administrative abilities. In the statement, please discuss your teaching practices and experience and how they prepare you to take on the responsibilities described above, including how you promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment, and how you would measure the success of your teaching efforts.

All materials must be submitted electronically to Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27360

For full consideration, applications should be completed by April 5, 2024, though we will continue to accept applications after this date. Email inquiries and questions may be directed to the chair of the search committee, Prof. Peter Graham (pwgraham [at] stanford.edu (pwgraham[at]stanford[dot]edu)).

The expected base pay range for this position is $89,000 - $112,500.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and 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, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching, and clinical missions.

The Physics Department believes that teaching is an important part of a graduate-level education in Physics. Consequently, three-quarters of teaching are a requirement for the Ph.D. in physics. Teaching duties vary from course to course but can include leading discussion sections, laboratory sections, meeting with students informally through office hours, and grading homework and exams. A TA application form must be completed before any quarter in which a student wishes to teach.  The Teaching Assistant page has a description of the positions and a link to the TA Application.

Bloch Fellowship in Quantum Science and Engineering

GLAM Postdoctoral Fellowships

Karel Urbanek and the Marvin Chodorow Postdoctoral Fellowships

KIPAC Fellowships

SITP - Condensed Matter Fellowships

SITP - Other Fellowships

Van Bibber Fellowship in Experimental Physics

DARE

EDGE

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Stanford Science Fellowship

American Association of University Women Fellowships

California Alliance Research Exchange & Postdoctoral Fellowship

Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

L'Oreal Fellowship for Women in Science

P.D. Soros Graduate Fellowship for New Americans

The Department of Physics at Columbia University and the Simons Foundation Flatiron Institute are excited to host the Rising Stars in Physics Workshop, which will address issues relevant to women looking to successfully transition to their first faculty position. We invite top early career scientists in physics and astronomy who are interested in careers in academia to apply. These workshop discussions address all women, including trans and cis women, and scientists for whom womanhood forms part of a more complex gender identity. 

This workshop will bring the next generation of physics academic leaders together for two days of scientific discussions and informal sessions aimed at navigating the early stages of the academic career. In addition to research presentations, we will hold panel discussions with Columbia University and Flatiron Institute faculty on issues relevant to academic careers, have opportunities for informal networking with faculty members, and set aside time for the participants to get to know each other and form connections that will hopefully persist through time.

Details (including application, due March 29, 2024) are at this link:https://www.physics.columbia.edu/content/2024-rising-stars-physics-workshop

POSITION DESCRIPTION

SCIENCE PROGRAM OFFICER

HEISING-SIMONS FOUNDATION

San Francisco Bay Area, CA – March 25, 2024

About the Foundation

The Heising-Simons Foundation and the Heising-Simons Action Fund, its affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, is a family foundation based in Los Altos and San Francisco, California. The Foundation works with its many partners to advance sustainable solutions in climate and clean energy, enable groundbreaking research in science, enhance the education of our youngest learners, and support human rights for all people.

The Foundation’s grantmaking is guided by the values of humility, courage, justice, opportunity, sustainability, innovation, relationships, and integrity. Since its first grant in 2008, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion across over 3,800 grants. In 2023, the Foundation’s Science Program made 121 awards totaling more than $37 million.

The Opportunity

The Heising-Simons Foundation is seeking a Science Program Officer who will help manage the Foundation’s science grantmaking. The Science Program Officer (PO) is a strategic and collaborative individual who has demonstrated experience in and a commitment and passion for advancing scientific research. As part of the Science team, the PO helps shape and administer the Foundation’s Science portfolio. The PO explores new grantmaking areas, works with prospective and existing grantees, monitors grant progress, and provides information, analyses, and recommendations to the team and the Foundation. The Science team is currently staffed by two program associates, two program officers, and the program director. The Science program will award $30 million in grants in 2024.

The Science program primarily supports research in astronomy and cosmology, fundamental physics, and climate change science, as well as science communication and efforts to increase the participation of traditionally underrepresented populations in these areas. For this opening, education, training, and work experience in climate change science or fundamental physics is especially valued but not required. The successful program officer candidate might work on grants in any of these areas. This is an opportunity to learn about many fields and sub-fields within the physical sciences and grantmaking. Candidates are not expected to have experience in all areas listed in the job posting.

The ideal candidate will have 1) a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a climate change science-related discipline (e.g., atmospheric science, earth system modeling, paleoclimatology, geochemistry, or similar field) or a physical science (e.g., physics, astronomy, cosmology); 2) at least 3 years of relevant post-degree work experience for a PhD or at least 5 years for a Master’s degree; 3) experience with a research group or scientific research initiative in an academic, business, non- profit, or government setting; 4) a strong interest in a breadth of scientific disciplines and the ability to synthesize information and ideas across a diverse landscape of scientific issues; 5) excellent research, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills; and 6) the ability to work both independently and as part of a small (six-person) team.

Primary Responsibilities

Grantmaking and Management

• Oversee a grants portfolio and budget focused on the physical sciences and in alignment with Science Program and Foundation Board strategies.
• Source diverse and innovative research topics through scientific roundtables, literature and field reviews, technical conferences, site visits, and community input.
• Solicit proposals from potential grantees and analyze and summarize proposals for review and approval.
• Structure grant term, payment, and reporting timelines and maintain up to date records through grant termination.
• Monitor grant progress by reviewing progress reports, as well as staying in-contact with grantees and responding to issues as needed.
• Provide non-financial support to grantees, including advice concerning capacity building, fund development, project activities, and evaluation.
• Work with the Foundation’s communications team to broaden the impact of the program’s grant making.

Team Responsibilities

• Participate in the strategic planning process to set the direction of the Science Program and develop plans to implement and evaluate it.
• Provide regular feedback to colleagues and supervisor both informally and as a part of annual review processes.
• Prepare materials for internal and external briefings as needed.
• Support colleagues during high workload times like scientific roundtables, in-person reviews or gatherings, site visits, advisory board meetings, and programmatic deadlines.
• Assist with the onboarding and training of new team members.

Learning and Networking

• Keep informed of current research, trends, and issues in the physical sciences, particularly those involving astronomy, cosmology, fundamental physics, and climate change science.
• Stay abreast of the federal and philanthropic funding landscape for the physical sciences.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with key contacts in the physical sciences (e.g., program officers at federal agencies and private foundations; former and current grantees; scientists at universities and government labs; deans and department chairs.)
• Represent the Foundation’s science program to external audiences.

Foundation-wide Responsibilities

• Understand the Foundation’s history, values, and current funding initiatives.
• Understand the philanthropic sector, as well as the structure and dynamics unique to a family foundation.
• Participate in and contribute to Foundation-wide collaborations, training sessions, and internal culture building.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a climate change science-related discipline (e.g., atmospheric science, earth system modeling, paleoclimatology, geochemistry, or similar fields) or physical science (e.g., physics, astronomy, cosmology).
• At least 3 years of relevant post-degree work experience are required for a Ph.D., and at least 5 years are required for a Master’s degree.
• Experience with a research group or scientific research initiative in an academic, business, non-profit, or government setting.
• A strong interest in a breadth of scientific disciplines and the ability to synthesize information and ideas across a diverse landscape of scientific issues.
• An understanding of the research enterprise in major research universities and institutions in the U.S.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to plan and think strategically about program design and implementation, manage large projects and budgets, set realistic goals and objectives, and effectively balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent project management, time management, research, writing, and communication skills, including an ability to synthesize material and to identify major opportunities in a specific area.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, stakeholders, and others in an ongoing and multifaceted partnership.
• Ability to work independently and to be self-motivated.
• An understanding of (or willingness to learn) how foundations function and of the grantmaking process.
• The personal presence to represent the Foundation in diverse forums and establish and maintain organizational relationships.
• An ability to effectively cope with change, shift gears comfortably, and act without having the total picture in the face of ambiguity.
• The personal motivation to embody the Foundation’s values and support the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and use new systems of technology, such as Microsoft Office applications, Salesforce, Zoom, and Box.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally (up to ~20%) to achieve the goals of the Science Program and the Foundation.
• A sense of humor, commitment to teamwork, and a positive work environment.

Location

This full-time (37.5 hours per week) exempt position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and reports to the Science Program Director. The successful candidate must live in, or be willing to relocate to, the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently, the Foundation has a flexible hybrid approach to work, allowing staff to work from home or the office while maintaining a regular in-person cadence for community building, learning, collaboration, and direction setting. The Science team meets in the Foundation’s Los Altos office several times per month and as needed to accomplish the team’s objectives.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range for candidates is $130,000 to $175,000 per year, depending on experience.

We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, long-term disability, business travel and life insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and child care expenses, a 401(k) plan (with a 2:1 match for employee contributions of up to 8%), commuting assistance, an employee assistance program (EAP), mental health counseling, tuition reimbursement, and a generous professional development budget, matching gifts, fitness reimbursements, fertility and adoption assistance, and identity theft protection. In addition, we allow flexible schedules.

Heising-Simons Foundation Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of applicants. Foundation policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, military service, legally protected medical condition, reproductive health decisions, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Our success depends on our ability to build teams that include people with different experiences and expertise who can challenge each other’s assumptions with new viewpoints and bring different perspectives to the team. We encourage women, people of color, formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrants, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and others with diverse perspectives and experiences to apply.

To Apply

Martha Montag Brown & Associates, LLC has been retained to conduct this search. Interested and qualified candidates should apply by emailing a resume, targeted cover letter, and salary requirements (based on the stated compensation range for the position) to search [at] marthamontagbrown.com (search[at]marthamontagbrown[dot]com). All correspondence will remain confidential.