Student Work Opportunities
Employment as a Lab Teaching Assistant (TA)
Duties for Lab Assistants include attending weekly training meetings, running lab sessions under faculty supervision, grading lab reports. Students are paid an hourly rate based on the current contract with the WAWU student union.
Being a Lab Assistant is very valuable experience for future employment and graduate school. Students often find that they have a much deeper understanding of physics after teaching other students. In addition, having the responsibility and communication skills required to be a good Lab Assistant is attractive to employers and graduate schools.
Qualifications: Completing Physics 161, 162, and 163 (or equivalent courses) with a B- or higher grade.
Application & Hiring Process:
1. Complete the online application form for positions in the upcoming quarter.
2. Submit your quarterly availability schedule through the provided WWU e-form.
3. You may be invited for an interview if you are a new applicant.
4. Positions are offered quarterly based on your qualifications, interview results, and availability.
5. First-time WWU employees must complete necessary HR paperwork upon selection.
Research with Faculty
Faculty in the Physics & Astronomy Department actively involve students in their research, which is a unique opportunity for undergraduates. Students who are taking or have completed PHYS 161 or PHYS 162 and would like to learn more about research opportunities in the department should take PHYS 190 Exploring Physics and Astronomy offered winter quarter. Students are also welcome and encouraged to approach faculty individually and inquire about research opportunities.
Many opportunities also exist outside of Western for undergraduates to get involved in summer research, including the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program and the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program.