Undergraduate Chemistry Lab Manager, 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 Chemistry Laboratory Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and supervising Chemistry labs in accordance with course and program objectives. Nature of Work: The Undergraduate Chemistry 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. The Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Manager works in collaboration with the Laboratory Coordinator and graduate student teaching assistants to implement the Chemistry Department’s Undergraduate Laboratory program with a focus on high-enrolment first- and second-year courses. Undergraduate 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 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 the 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 de-escalate 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. Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Leadership Select, train, supervise, and evaluate laboratory graduate student teaching assistants to ensure highest quality instruction in the chemistry laboratories. 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 and values (e.g., Learning Charter, Student Wellness Strategy, ohpahotân Indigenous 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 learning and implement and reflect on effective teaching and learning strategies. Teach chemistry courses as assigned by the Department Head. 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 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 outreach activities, 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 and science laboratory instruction. Specialization in analytical, physical, and/or inorganic chemistry including familiarity with a wide variety of fundamental analytical and physical chemistry instruments (e.g. UV-Vis, FTIR, GC, HPLC, AAS, MS, NMR) and computer modeling is beneficial to the position. Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to [email protected] . Applications should include a cover letter, resume, and employment references.