Job 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/Software Specialist” (Lab Instructor) enhances student success through a positive learning environment and teaches undergraduate (undergrad) laboratory (lab) portion of 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 undergrad laboratory facilities in support of assigned labs. The Lab Instructor collaborates with course instructor for lecture-lab synchronization and works in conjunction with faculty members on lab content, development and design of any new experiments to be introduced into the undergrad lab portion of the course.
Responsibilities
Instruction of Students and Assessment of their Academic Performance
- Prepares and teaches assigned undergrad lab portion of courses
- Collaborates with faculty course instructors for lecture-lab synchronization
- Monitors students’ lab progress by assessing reports and lab assignments in the technical and theoretical aspects of the subject matter
- Ensures academic integrity is maintained in the lab
- 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 student fourth year 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 lab 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 lab from term-to-term on a changing basis
- Directs lab TAs through the academic term cycle: assigning duties, coordinating their lab activities, etc.
- Provides new teaching assistants with training in lab equipment procedures and/or theory, as well as, instruction on experiments and design exercises before each term’s lab sessions begin
- Participates in TA interviewing, ranking, and rating their performance
- Mentors new and sessional staff in area of expertise
- Trains other Lab Instructors in the use of specialized software as required
Lab Maintenance
- Monitors and updates the lab equipment inventory
- Monitors performance to ensure adequate quality control and arranges maintenance of technical equipment/software
- Oversees teaching inventory, researches and recommends purchases
- Maintains the technical and safe operation of the assigned labs
- 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 required. MASc degree or relevant industrial experience is an asset
- Five years of experience managing lab operations
- Experience in working with different measurement instruments in the area of specialization is required
- Has experience with software packages in the area of specialization
- Previous teaching experience is highly desirable
- Experience in running labs, troubleshooting; software; and equipment, giving tutorials/lectures and demonstrations, writing and updating lab manuals, developing new labs, marking reports, and evaluating technical presentations is typically required
- Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in the labs or a similar environment is a typically required
- Experience in purchasing software is typically required
- Lab Instructors should have a proven aptitude for teaching and a demonstrated interest in working with undergrad students
- Well-developed 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, problem-solving, and analytical skills are essential
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team within a busy and dynamic environment
- Approachability, consistency, and the ability to motivate and earn students’ trust
- Self-motivation in taking initiatives to improve the quality of labs, teaching, and working environment is required
- Willingness to train for other specializations as required by the department
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Intermediate proficiency with SharePoint, FileMakerPro, or Oracle
- Broad knowledge of current computer software applications used in an undergrad computer or electrical engineering environment
Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.