Laboratory Instructor/ Hardware Specialist - Waterloo, Canada - University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

Verified Company

Waterloo, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

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Description

Overview:
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) undergraduate curriculum has two core programs and four interdisciplinary programs.

Reporting to the Lab Director, Teaching (Lab Director) and to the theme area Laboratory Instructor/Coordinator (Coordinator), the Laboratory Instructor/Hardware Specialist (Lab Instructor) enhances student success through a positive learning environment and teaches undergraduate (undergrad) laboratory (lab) courses within the established scope and guidelines of the professional degree program.

These positions are responsible for laboratory course delivery and other academic responsibilities, and the technical operation and maintenance of the ECE undergraduate laboratory facilities in support of assigned lab courses.

The Lab Instructor collaborates with course faculty for lecture-laboratory synchronization and works in conjunction with faculty members on lab content and development and design of any new experiments to be introduced into the undergraduate laboratory.

Responsibilities:

Instruction of Students and Assessment of their Academic Performance

Prepares and teaches assigned undergrad lab courses
Collaborates with faculty course instructors for lecturelaboratory synchronization
Ensures academic integrity is maintained in the laboratories
Marks student work term reports
Assists students on an individual or group basis with lab and related assignments/problems
Evaluates student technical presentations and symposium poster marking
Supervises/consults/advises/marks fourth year student design projects
Develops experiments and writes laboratory materials/manuals in conjunction with faculty
Recommends and/or makes necessary changes in materials, techniques or procedures to optimize the value of the lab exercise
Plans new labs, conducts and evaluates prototype labs
Keeps course content and resources current

Supervises Teaching Assistants who Oversee Students performing the Experiments and Exercises

Ensures the effective utilization and development of TAs who assist with undergrad laboratories from termtoterm on a changing basis
Directs laboratory TAs through the academic term cycle: assigning duties, coordinating their laboratory activities, etc.
Provides new teaching assistants with training in lab equipment procedures and/or theory, and instruction on experiments and design exercises before each term's laboratory sessions begin
Participates in TA interviewing, ranking, and rating their performance
Mentors new or sessional staff in area of expertise
Trains other Laboratory Instructors in the use of specialized hardware or software as required

Lab Maintenance

Monitors and updates the laboratory equipment inventory
Monitors performance to ensure adequate quality control and arranges maintenance of technical equipment
Oversees teaching inventory, researches and recommends purchases
Maintains the technical and safe operation of the assigned laboratories
Recommends and implements approved upgrades and improvements to lab facilities and practices

Other Duties

Attend lab planning and review sessions
Participate in class prof/student rep meetings
Trains for other specializations as required by the department
Assist with other duties or special projects which may be assigned by the Lab Director or Coordinator

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience. MASc degree or relevant industrial experience is an asset
Area of specialization should encompass one of the following areas: communication systems, power systems, control systems and robotics; or digital hardware; or analog hardware, radio frequency, circuits, and systems
Five years of experience managing lab operations
Experience in working with different measurement instruments in the area of specialization is required
Experience with hardware design procedures and software packages related to the area of specialization
Experience in running labs, troubleshooting electrical circuits; software; and equipment, giving tutorials/lectures and demonstrations, writing and updating lab manuals, developing new labs, marking reports, and evaluating technical presentations is strongly preferred
Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in the labs or a similar environment is a strong asset
Experience in purchasing hardware and software in the area of specialization is an asset
Previous teaching experience is highly desirable
Knowledge of computer interfacing with measurements instrumentation is required
Proven aptitude for teaching and a demonstrated interest in working with undergraduate students
Welldeveloped interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Proven ability to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring safety of students and staff in the lab
Strong organizational, problemsolving, and analytical skills are essential
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