Laboratory Support Specialist

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Oct 15, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Laboratory Support Specialist
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	SAS - Physics & Astronomy
Overview	The School of Arts and Sciences ( SAS) is the largest academic unit at Rutgers University and the center of the undergraduate experience on the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus and is comprised of 41 academic departments spanning the liberal arts. SAS offers more than 100 majors and minors across the life sciences, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and mathematical and physical sciences with research centers and institutes across the school. With a diverse student body of more than 20,000 students, SAS has a membership of over 1,700 faculty members, more than 500 administrative staff, and 200,000 living alumni. SAS delivers a wide array of services in support of the teaching, research, and the mission and goals of Rutgers University. Located in New Jersey, Rutgers University is a premiere, Research 1, public land grant institution that reflects the broad spectrum of backgrounds in the state. The School of Arts and Sciences, the largest and most comprehensive school at Rutgers University, is especially interested in candidates who can advance the goals and values expressed in the SAS Strategic Plan. Applicants are encouraged to include in their cover letter information about how they will further our mission of excellence.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Laboratory Support Specialist for the Department of Physics & Astronomy within the School of Arts and Sciences. This position supports one of the most comprehensive and well-regarded physics lecture demonstration programs in the country. This position plays a pivotal role in enhancing instructional delivery, ensuring operational continuity, and sustaining a legacy program that serves over 80 course sections each semester across all four New Brunswick campuses. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Prepares, maintains, and delivers lecture demonstrations that support in-person instruction across a broad range of physics and astronomy courses - from large-enrollment general education classes to upper-level undergraduate and select graduate offerings. Collaborates with faculty on pedagogical alignment, supervising a large team of undergraduate student workers, fabricating and troubleshooting demonstrations, and managing the department's extensive demo inventory, vehicle, and budget. Leads high-profile outreach efforts, including Rutgers Day, the Rutgers Faraday Children's Holiday Lecture, and K-12 school visits. Preserves safety, consistency, and instructional excellence, and operates with a high degree of independence, creativity, and technical expertise.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	06
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	82166.000
Mid Range Salary	104002.000
Maximum Salary	125837.000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree in Physics or Astronomy or a related scientific field or discipline and five (5) years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience that demonstrates applied knowledge of physics and related scientific principles used in instructional demonstrations and effective use of instructional technology.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Excellent communication skills and computer literacy. Basic mechanical and electrical skills, including the ability to assemble, troubleshoot, repair and safely operate instructional demonstration equipment. Familiarity with core physics concepts and the ability to support their instructional application. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage tasks across multiple campus locations. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability and willingness to learn new software and audio/video support tools. Advanced knowledge of physics and science pedagogy is essential to support instruction effectively. The position requires contextual understanding of physical principles and the ability to adapt demonstrations to varied course levels and pedagogical goals.
Preferred Qualifications	Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Education, or a related technical or scientific discipline. Experience working in a college or university instructional laboratory or physics demonstration facility. Knowledge of or experience with instructional design, video production, or digital content creation. Experience supervising student workers or providing training to others in a technical setting. Membership in or participation with professional organizations such as AAPT (American Association of Physics Teachers) or PIRA (Physics Instructional Resource Association). This depth of knowledge allows the coordinator to advise faculty, contribute to curriculum development, and support safety in instructional delivery.
Equipment Utilized	General laboratory tools and equipment.. Hand and power tools for equipment fabrication and repair. University-owned vehicle for transport of demonstration materials across New Brunswick campuses.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Ability to lift and transport demonstration equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching required while assembling, delivering, and dismantling demonstrations. Occasional work on ladders or with elevated equipment in lecture halls. Exposure to electrical equipment, pressurized systems, and occasionally chemicals or other materials requiring proper safety handling and personal protective equipment (PPE). Work is performed in a combination of environments: prep rooms, machine/electronics shops, classrooms, and lecture halls.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST2205
Posting Open Date	10/15/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Busch (RU-New Brunswick)
City	Piscataway
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement