Physics Lab Specialist

Physics Lab Specialist – University of Virginia

Overview

The Micro‑Pattern Gas Detector (MPGD) group, led by Professors Nilanga Liyanage and Huong Nguyen in the Physics Department, is recruiting a Laboratory Research Operations and Service 3 specialist. The physics department is committed to advancing knowledge through cutting‑edge research, exceptional teaching, and community outreach.

Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to develop and construct advanced particle detectors for experiments conducted at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). These detectors help investigate the structure of sub‑nucleonic particles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and fabrication of Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors.
• Test and characterize GEM detectors.
• Install detectors at Jefferson Lab.
• Participate in running experiments at Jefferson Lab and analyze resulting data.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree required; a combination of experience, education, and certification may be considered.
• Experience:
  
  1+ year of relevant laboratory experience.
• Licensure/
  
  Certifications:
  
  None.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics or a related instrumentation field.
• Experience:
  
  Extensive experience in construction and testing of GEM detectors; experience building lab spaces and assembly fixtures for GEM detectors.
• Licensure/
  
  Certifications:
  
  None specified.

Physical Demands

This role involves long periods of standing, squatting, bench work, and fine‑finger manipulation for keyboarding and animal procedures.

Salary Range

• $22.00 – $25.00 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• Non‑exempt, benefited position.
• Restricted position, dependent on funding.
• Based in Charlottesville, VA; must be performed fully on‑site.

About UVA and the Community

Learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area by visiting UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after December 21, 2025
.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires.
• This position will not consider candidates requiring immigration sponsorship at this time.

How To Apply

Please apply online by searching for requisition number R0078619
. Submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. The application is not considered complete without all required documents. Reference checks will be performed by UVA’s partner Skill Survey; five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• Professor Nilanga Liyanage – nl8n
• Academic Recruiter Rich Haverstrom – rkh6j

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

• Higher Education

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