Job Details

  

Preceptor
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Job ID 6731
Job Type On-Campus Jobs-Academic Year
Employer Physics
Date Posted Apr 01, 2025
Category Academic
Job Description

The Physics and Astronomy department seeks preceptors in the 2025-26 academic year for the following courses or roles:

1. Physics Preceptors for PHYS-370 (Computational Physics) with Prof. Tonnis ter Veldhuis (Fall 2025).

Physics Preceptors will assist Prof. Tonnis ter Veldhuis in teaching PHYS-370 (Computational Physics) in Fall 2025. Typical responsibilities involve

  • Assisting with teaching lab sessions
  • Holding office hours each week.
  • Assist in developing, testing and grading pre-lab and lab assignments
  • Attend lectures periodically (not not necessarily every class meeting)

2. MACRO/Astronomy Preceptors in AY 2025-26

During the 2025-2026 academic year, MACRO preceptors will work on advanced code development within the pyScope software package or work on instrumentation development. Extensive collaborative work with be undertaken with members of the MACRO Consortium from Macalester and from other institutions. MACRO Preceptors will also provide support to major research projects and initiatives with the MACRO Consortium this year. In addition, MACRO/Astronomy Preceptors may be asked to assist Prof. Anna Williams with the PHYS-440 (Observational Astronomy) course (Spring 2026 only), or to coordinate occasional public observing nights at the Macalester Observatory (Fall 2025).

 

Job Requirements

Job requirements for Computational Physics Preceptors for PHYS-370:

- Extensive coding/computational experience is expected.

- must have completed some Physics coursework. Physics majors are preferred, but this could also be a good opportunity for a junior/senior CS or Math major!

- time commitment: about 6 hours per week or more.

- must be able to attend at one of the lab sessions (and should attend lectures periodically, if possible)

- ability to relate well to other students

- attending ongoing training sessions offered by the MAX Center is recommended. This training covers STEM specific tutoring practice and protocols.

To apply and be considered for a Computational Physics position, please contact Professor Tonnis ter Veldhuis for details and cc: Brian Adams.

 

Job requirements for MACRO/Astronomy Preceptors

Completion of an original research experience in astronomy; declared astronomy emphasis physics major; extensive knowledge of the python software package and collaborative coding tools. Familiarity with RLMT scheduling and operations is a plus, and it is highly desirable if the candidates are also computer science double majors. (Preceptors that are assigned to PHYS-440, or working in the Macalester Observatory must have completed PHYS-440.) PHYS-440 preceptors will be expected to attend some training sessions for STEM tutors offered by the MAX Center.

Interested MACRO/Astronomy Preceptor applicants should email Prof. John Cannon and Prof. Anna Williams, and cc: Brian Adams.

By applying for these positions, the Physics and Astronomy department may contact the Title IX and Nondiscrimination Office to inquire about an applicant's disciplinary status with the college. Current or past policy violations do not automatically disqualify or exclude an applicant from this selection process. However, they may be taken into consideration.

 

Benefits

Sick and Safe Time

  • Student employees accrue sick and safe time at an accrual rate of one hour for every 30 hours paid. 
  • Sick and safe time is not paid out upon departure. 
  • Review the full sick and safe time policy on the Student Employment website. 
Available Openings 5
Hours 4.0 to 10.0 hours per week
Hourly Rate $15.97/hour
Time Frame Academic Year 2024-2025
Contact Name Brian M. Adams
Contact Email adams@macalester.edu
Work Location OLRI 127
Phone 6516966456


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