1

Physics Lab Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

This Teaching Specialist position will have similar job responsibilities as a Teaching Assistant for our introductory physics courses, leading discussion and lab sections in courses such as: Physics ...

Physics Lab Assistant information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$20

$30

How much do physics lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics lab assistant in Madison, WI is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics lab assistant?

A Physics Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing equipment, setting up experiments, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They assist students and researchers by maintaining lab instruments, recording data, and troubleshooting technical issues. Their role is essential in ensuring a smooth and organized lab environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a physics lab assistant?

As a Physics Lab Assistant, your daily tasks may include preparing laboratory equipment, setting up experiments, monitoring experiments during lab sessions, and assisting students or researchers with technical issues. You are often responsible for keeping the lab organized, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and recording or analyzing experimental data. Collaboration is common, as you’ll work closely with supervisors, faculty, and students to support laboratory activities. This hands-on role provides valuable experience for those interested in scientific research, teaching, or pursuing further studies in physics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics lab assistant?

To thrive as a Physics Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of physics principles, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols, often supported by coursework or a degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data collection software, and occasionally OSHA or lab safety certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These abilities ensure accurate experiment execution, reliable data collection, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Lab jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Physics Lab jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Madison, WI? For Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Madison, WI are:
Infographic showing various Physics Lab Assistant job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,434 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

$61K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Terminal (Fixed Term)
Job Profile:
Teaching Specialist
Job Summary:
This Teaching Specialist position will have similar job responsibilities as a Teaching Assistant for our introductory physics courses, leading discussion and lab sections in courses such as:
Physics 103, 104, 106, 107, 109, 115, 201, 202, 207, 208, 241, 247, 248, 249, 307, 311, 321, 322, and/or 415.
There is a possibility this position could be extended in subsequent semesters to teach one or more of the courses listed on the job posting or similar courses within the department.
This position can be full or part-time between 33.4% - 100%. Actual FTE will be based on the number of assigned courses/sections.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Serves as an initial point of contact for students as it relates to specific course or series content and expectations
  • Assists with the development of instructional design and curriculum relevant to a course of instruction under the direction of an academic staff or faculty member
  • Facilitates classroom and/or laboratory instruction for one or more courses including assessment of student performance

Department:
College of Letters & Science, Physics Department
Compensation:
The full-time academic salary for the position is $61,228, not negotiable, and will be prorated based on the appointment duration and percentage.
Required Qualifications:
Prior experience teaching or tutoring physics is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience teaching physics at UW - Madison.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Physics or closely related field is required; Master's degree preferred.
How to Apply:
For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.
To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area. All listed application materials must be submitted for your application to be considered. Please submit only the materials specified; additional materials will not be reviewed.
To be considered for this recruitment, you must upload:
-Resume
-Letter of Qualifications
Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Contact Information:
Rachel Mattingly, rachel.mattingly@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

What University Of Wisconsin-Madison employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Wisconsin logo

About University of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005