Physics Peer Learning Assistant​/Peer Leader

Department

Department Physics

Terms and Hours

Terms and Hours Approx. 7 hrs/wk

Job Category

Job Category Student Employment

Hourly Wage

Hourly Wage Portland Metro Minimum Wage ($16.80)

Job Summary

Peer Leaders/Learning Assistants help students and teachers during physics labs and general grading. PLAs can do many different tasks. As a PLA , you may work in Physics Labs, assisting teachers and students with their experiments. Other Physics PLAs grade course homework and exams. Expected commitment is less than 7 hours of work per week and can be flexible, depending on assignment.

Some of our PLAs also host the Open Labs, which occur twice each week during the evening time and, in which, PLAs help students study, do homework, and perform make-up laboratory experiments. Finally, all PLAs must meet with the Physics Lab Coordinator once each week.
PLAs are evaluated through a combination of the following: evaluation from the supervising lab adjunct, weekly meetings with and occasional observation by the physics lab coordinator, and end of semester students' evaluations.

Core Duties

• Explain physics concepts and answer both conceptual and calculation questions from students
• Attend assigned class/lab meeting sessions to assist instructors with their teaching
• Grade homework assignments within a week, as assigned.
• Attend weekly meetings (30 minutes minimum) with the lab coordinator and other peer leaders to discuss, practice, and set-up the following week’s lab.
• Introduce students to physics topics, maintain the classroom atmosphere, and work with instructors as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Interest and enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and physics
• Strong conceptual understanding of physics, in addition to being able to apply mathematical knowledge in calculations
• Internally motivated and able to work independently
• Completion of PHY 204 and 205 with a grade of at least a B in both courses

Preferred Qualifications

• Physics major/minor
• Completion of PHY 204 and 205 with an A in both courses
• Recommendation from PHY 274 or PHY 275 peer leader

Physical Requirements

• N/A

Posting Number

Posting Number SE

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies Multiple

Estimated Start Date 08/24/2026

Open Date

Open Date 08/18/2026

Close Date

Close Date 09/30/2026

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Contact
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd
Portland, Oregon

recruitment