Physics Peer Leader​/Learning Asistant

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.

PLAs also host our Open Labs, which occur during the evening twice each week and in which PLAs help students study, do homework, and perform make‑up laboratory experiments. Finally, PLAs are expected to meet with the Physics Lab Coordinator once each week for a minimum of 30 minutes.
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.

• 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

• 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

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

• N/A

Posting Number SE875-2023

Number of Vacancies Multiple

Estimated Start Date 08/19/2025

Open Date 12/01/2025

Close Date 01/31/2026

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Required Documents
  • Resume
• Optional Documents
  • Cover Letter
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • Research Interests

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

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