Job Class: Student Research Assistant, Pay Range $18.20-$19.20/hr, Starting Nov 27, 2023 – Ending Dec 23, 2023 (four weeks) For a maximum of 6 hours per week

Job description: physics faculty in collaboration with a physics alumnus inventor seek a technically versatile student to design and implement optical systems for performing light scattering observations and measurements. The work will include analysis and design of optical layouts using varied optics components, setup and operation of light sources (including lasers) and detectors, and collection and processing of data. The goal is to perform light scattering from colloidal particle systems in order to characterize their sizes and / or motion. Minimum requirements: prior experience with basic test instruments like digital multimeters and oscilloscopes. Mechanical assembly skills including use of hand tools. Aptitude in using calculus to model and analyze data. Ability to describe the basic physics of light propagation and interaction with matter. Skill in searching for and summarizing applicable elements of scientific research literature related to the research objectives.

Preferred requirements: some familiarity with optical components like lenses and mirrors. Some experience with computer-assisted experimentation.