University of Saskatchewan: General Chemistry Lab Manager

The Department of Chemistry and the University of Saskatchewan offer CSC accredited undergraduate programs and M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduate programs. These academic programs are coupled with faculty research programs that span all sub-disciplines of chemistry as well as emerging interdisciplinary areas.

Primary Purpose: The General Chemistry Laboratory Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and supervising the first year Chemistry labs in accordance with course and program objectives.

Nature of Work:

The Laboratory Manager reports to the Head, Department of Chemistry. The Head may delegate academic oversight and program development as part of the annual faculty assignment of duties.

First year chemistry laboratories typically take place from Monday – Friday, with some evening laboratories. The volume of work is highest during the fall and winter academic terms, with a lighter load in the spring and summer academic terms.

This position requires the use of leadership skills, a high degree of independence, and the ability to work as a team with other laboratory staff and faculty assigned first year chemistry instruction roles. This position often receives minimal direction, so exercise of initiative is frequently required.

This position requires problem solving, sound judgement, and attention to detail to ensure that the laboratory programs meet program objectives as well as helping students achieve their academic goals.

This position requires an ability to work under pressure, with regular interruptions and competing deadlines. The ability to multitask is required. This position requires the ability to work constructively with competing interests, to manage complex issues, and to deescalate and resolve conflict.

This position requires discretion as the work is privy to and works with confidential student information.

The work of this position has a strong impact on student experience and can strongly influence student recruitment to chemistry programs. First year chemistry is also a foundation to programs throughout the university.  

The Laboratory Manager works in collaboration with the Laboratory Coordinator to implement the General Chemistry Laboratory program. In addition, the Laboratory Manager provides direct supervision, training, leadership, and support to approximately 45 student teaching assistants.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Leadership

• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate laboratory TAs with the quality of instruction in the chemistry laboratories given highest priority.
• Develop professional and collaborative relationships with members of the laboratory teaching staff, with faculty and staff within the Department, College and non-University groups or organizations.

Academic Programming and Scholarship

• Develop, deliver, and continuously improve chemistry lab programs consistent with course and program goals, and with University and College academic policies (e.g., Learning Charter, Student Wellness Strategy, etc.).
• Prepare, develop, and deliver teaching materials that are consistent with course and program objectives and are completed in a timely manner. These include lab schedules, TA manuals, marking schemes, lab manuals, quizzes, and problem session questions and solutions.
• Maintain learning management systems specific to the laboratory; maintain content on laboratory-relevant webpages and maintain online homework systems.
• Engage in professional development and reflective practice in teaching and learning, and implementing and reflecting on effective teaching and learning strategies.
• Teach introductory chemistry or other chemistry courses as assigned.

Risk Management and Financial Resources

• Promote a culture of safety and ensure a safe work environment by making sure that safe chemistry lab practices are followed and that all environmental health and safety regulations are met.
• Ensure appropriate on-site training for TAs and students in safety procedures and practices.
• Ensure effective use of people, materials, and equipment to minimize financial expense of and risk to chemistry lab operation.

Student Enrolment/Development

• Assist with chemistry laboratory work and online class assignments through direct student interaction and through email.
• Assist in the professional development of TAs by providing mentorship and support for their teaching duties.
• Provide student advising and mentoring.

Administrative Resources

• Prepare, maintain, and submit accurate attendance and grades records and likewise ensure these are submitted regularly by teaching assistants.
• Help with lab registration, overrides and exemptions.

Strategic and/or Unit Level Planning

• Participate in long-term planning of content and delivery of chemistry courses and labs in addition to service on departmental committees.

Other/ External Relationships/Partnerships

• Act as a resource person in chemistry lab related matters. Such activities may include evaluating off-campus facilities, coordinating high school events, giving advice regarding laboratory renovations, and providing chemicals and access to equipment as deemed appropriate.

Education: A graduate degree in chemistry or chemistry education (PhD degree preferred).

Evidence of professional development and reflective practice in teaching and learning is preferred. An ideal candidate will show evidence of implementing and reflecting on effective teaching and learning strategies.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience relevant to managing an undergraduate chemistry laboratory.

Skills:

• Effective leadership, decision making, organization and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, such as an ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively with diverse teams.
• Excellent communication skills appropriate to the audience (student, etc.) and form of communication (email, oral, instructional material, etc.).
• The ability to work with minimal supervision, and the judgement to seek advice and direction when necessary.
• Discretion and judgement in handling confidential student information.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets. Familiar with learning management systems, student information systems and website content management systems.
• Solid background in chemistry and familiarity with common and emerging techniques in chemistry laboratory instruction. Ability to implement and reflect on effective teaching and learning strategies. Familiarity with a wide variety of instruments is essential to the position.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to chem.dept@usask.ca.

Applications should include a cover letter, resume, and employment references.

Department: Chemistry
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $66,030.00 - 103,174.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Instructional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 11/1/2023
Closing Date: 11/29/2023 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

https://usask.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/14/home/requisition/11694

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The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.