The Department of Sciences is seeking one co-op student to aid students and support faculty and staff in the Physics laboratories for Fall 2026 for the following courses: College Physics I, Conceptual Physics, Engineering Physics I and II, and Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Physics. Primary responsibilities include setting and cleaning up, overseeing, and testing instructional experiments with additional effort toward lab maintenance, which includes equipment maintenance and managing supply inventory. Participation in all aspects of laboratory safety is mandatory. The co-op students are required to attend all training and meetings for each safety course or those related to safety. Additional responsibilities include the supervision of labs where the co-op is required to assist faculty and students during the experiments. The co-op directly reports to the lab technician as their supervisor.
The opportunity for an independent project is offered for this co-op only after the successful mastery and
independence of the laboratory support needed for the term. Options for the independent project will be related to the field of physics in some fashion, and can include, though may not be limited to, the following:
- Development of a new laboratory activity or procedure
- Improvement of current laboratory activity or procedure
- Rewriting or creation of an appropriate description of a current or proposed laboratory activity
- Development of or linkage to a simulation of a laboratory-like activity (for example, creation of data that students could analyze as part of a laboratory activity)
- Creation of a video or other visual product to support current or future laboratory activity
The proposed plan for the independent project must be submitted early in the term where the co-op works with their supervisor and lab manager for their feedback. The project plan needs to be approved by the lab manager and the Associate Dean. Any major changes to the project require approval by these same individuals. If funds are needed, a budget for the proposed project is to be submitted to the lab tech and lab manager, then approved by the Associate Dean prior to the initiation of the independent project. Resources such as video equipment, data analysis software or technical consultation are available for these activities as well.
A final written description of the results of the project, including all the data and information obtained must be provided prior to the last day of the co-op. A public presentation of the results of the independent project is required to be given where all the lab staff, the lab manager, Associate Dean, Dean and appropriate faculty will be invited. This will occur by the end of the co-op period (12/15). There will be additional required presentations and project meetings throughout the semester to check-in on the status of the project and to practice oral presentation skills. Deadlines will be made to ensure the completion of the project on time. Skills that will be gained in this job are written and oral science communication skills, experimental design skills, leadership, and project and budget management. Training will be provided on applicable usage of laboratory equipment, scientific research, and procedures for laboratory support as well as independent research.
The job responsibilities of a co-op throughout the semester are dependent on what is required for the teaching labs and for the completion of the independent project, so the co-op will need to be adaptable to a changing working environment and be able to work independently when necessary to meet the job requirements.
If you possess most or all the required qualifications, you are encouraged to apply by submitting your resume or CV as well as a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and why you would be a good fit for the role. Note: the additional submission of a cover letter is required with the resume or CV! Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
If you have any questions about the job description and/or qualifications before applying, please reach out to Ben Constable (constableb@wit.edu).
