Lab Coordinator, Dept. of Chemistry

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 Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for the operational delivery, logistical coordination, and day-to-day functioning of undergraduate chemistry laboratories, with a focus on high-enrolment first- and second-year courses. Nature of Work: The Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator reports to the Department’s Laboratory Managers and to the Head, Department of Chemistry. This role supports the development, implementation, and delivery of laboratory programming for high-enrolment first- and second year undergraduate courses, in close collaboration with Laboratory Managers and faculty instructors. The position is highly collaborative and requires effective interaction with staff, faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. As the role is closely tied to academic delivery, it demands strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and careful attention to detail to ensure laboratories operate efficiently and effectively. The work is primarily operational and logistical in nature, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to anticipate and respond to evolving program needs. Responsibilities include significant hands-on activity such as bulk chemical preparation, laboratory setup, and benchtop work. The role involves extended periods of standing, frequent handling of equipment and chemicals, and working in laboratory environments for most of the day. Workload fluctuates with the academic calendar, with peak periods that may require flexibility, including occasional work outside regular hours. The position plays a key role in shaping the undergraduate student experience and contributes to student success and retention within departmental programs. The Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator also supports and provides guidance to numerous Teaching Assistants (TAs). Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Leadership Support the supervision and coordination of TAs during laboratory sessions. Assist with TA training by preparing materials, setting up training labs, and supporting delivery. Foster a collaborative and professional working environment among instructional staff. Provide day-to-day operational guidance to TAs during laboratory delivery. Academic Programming and Scholarship Support the implementation and delivery of undergraduate chemistry laboratories in collaboration with Laboratory Managers and instructors. Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory operations by identifying efficiencies and supporting implementation of updated practices. Support the preparation, development and delivery of teaching materials that are consistent with course objectives and are completed in a timely manner. Support the preparation and delivery of activities involving community outreach. Risk Management and Financial Resources Ensure a safe work environment by making sure that safe chemistry lab practices are followed and that all current environmental health and safety regulations are met. Ensure appropriate on-site training for TAs and students in safety procedures and practices. Maintain safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, including chemical waste management. Monitor inventory and coordinate ordering of chemicals and supplies to ensure cost-effective operations. Support efficient use of materials, equipment, and resources to minimize operational costs while maintaining quality. Student Enrolment/Development Provide in-lab support to students during laboratory sessions, assisting with troubleshooting and ensuring a safe learning environment. Assist in the professional development of TAs by providing mentorship and support for their teaching duties. Contribute to a positive student experience in high-enrolment, high-impact first- and second-year courses. Administrative Resources Coordinate laboratory setup and takedown for all assigned courses. Maintain accurate chemical inventory/preparation manuals. Ensure readiness of all laboratory materials and spaces. Monitor and coordinate maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment with appropriate units (e.g., FMD, technical staff). Support scheduling and coordination of multiple lab sections across courses. Assist with logistics related to TA meetings and laboratory operations. Strategic and/or Unit Level Planning Support scaling of laboratory operations to accommodate increasing enrolment demands. Contribute to planning processes that improve scheduling efficiency and reduce course conflicts. Provide operational insight to support long-term laboratory planning and capacity expansion. Other/ External Relationships/Partnerships Liaise with Laboratory Managers, faculty, and departmental staff to support effective laboratory delivery. Support coordination with stakeholders (e.g., College of Engineering) as required for laboratory operations. Act as a resource for day-to-day laboratory operational matters. Education: A BSc. in chemistry (MSc. degree preferred), evidence of professional development in teaching and learning is considered an asset. Experience: Minimum of two years of relevant experience (including experience related to graduate work). Experience within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan is considered a major asset. Skills: The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is imperative. Discretion in handling confidential student information. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with standard computer applications. Solid background in chemistry. Mastery of common undergraduate laboratory techniques, including solution preparation, titration, filtration, and recrystallization. Experience operating standard analytical and physical instrumentation (e.g. spectrophotometry, FTIR, NMR, chromatography, calorimetry, electrochemistry). Some familiarity with inert atmosphere lab techniques Experience supporting analytical, physical and inorganic laboratory experiments. Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to [email protected] . Applications should include a cover letter, resume, and employment references.