Lab Assistant, Department of Biology

**Lab Assistant, Department of Biology**:
**Nature of Work**: The Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant reports to the Head, Department of Biology. The Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant works in collaboration with Laboratory Coordinators, Laboratory Assistants, and faculty members to implement the undergraduate biology instructional program. In addition, the Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant provides direct supervision, leadership, and support to teaching assistants (TAs). The position is one that is heavily involved in academic matters and as such requires a high capacity for problem solving, sound judgement, and attention to detail to ensure that the biology laboratory programs match the departmental objectives as well as help students achieve their academic goals. This is a high-volume position requiring the ability to work under pressure (often high levels of stress due to the volume of work and regular interruptions) in an environment where competing deadlines and multi-tasking is the norm. The individual in this position is given mínimal direction but must manage competing interests with satisfactory outcomes for all involved. The individual in this position must be able to negotiate boundaries and, balance complex issues, and respond appropriately to conflict. The work performed by the individual in this position significantly impacts the student experience at the university and they are therefore expected to have a strong positive influence on college programs and on student recruitment in departmental programs. Considerable discretion is required as this individual is privy to, and works with, confidential student information. The individual in this position must effectively exercise professional judgement to deal with emerging and unpredictable events which could impact the department - faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students and student services and programs.

**Accountabilities**:
**People Leadership**
- Select, supervise, train and evaluate laboratory TAs. It is expected that the quality of instruction in the biology laboratories is given the highest priority.
- Develop professional, collaborative relationships with members of the Department of Biology laboratory teaching staff, and with faculty and staff within the Department, College and non-University groups or organizations.

**Academic Programming and Scholarship**
- Work with faculty and other teaching staff to support and continuously improve biology lab programs.
- Deliver teaching materials that are consistent with course objectives and are completed in a timely manner. These include lab schedules, TA manuals, marking schemes, lab manuals, quizzes, problem session questions and solutions, online homework systems, etc.

**Risk Management and Financial Resources**
- Ensure a safe work environment by making sure that safe lab practices are followed and that all current environmental health and safety, and biosafety 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 biology lab operation.

**Student Enrolment/Development**
- Assist in the professional development of TAs by providing mentorship and support for their teaching duties.

**Administrative Resources**
- Prepare, maintain, and submit accurate attendance and grades records and likewise ensure these are submitted regularly by TAs.
- Develop appropriate biology laboratory schedules for the department.

**Strategic and/or Unit Level Planning**
- Support faculty during long-term planning of content and delivery of biology labs.

**Other/ External Relationships/Partnerships**
- Act as a resource person in biology lab related matters. Such activities may include evaluating off-campus facilities, coordinating high school events, giving advice regarding laboratory renovations and providing materials and access to equipment as deemed appropriate.

**Qualifications**

**Education**: An MSc in biology or related field. A combination of BSc and appropriate experience will be considered.

**Experience**: A minimum of three years of related experience, which can include experience gained during graduate student work. Courses/training related to laboratory teaching for undergraduate students would be considered an asset. Experience with plant pathology research is considered an asset.

**Skills**: A demonstrated ability in effective decision making, leadership, motivation, and team management skills is required. The ability to work independently, collaboratively or as part of a team with other laboratory staff is imperative. Working with confidential student information in a discreet manner is essential to the position, as is the ability to interact with persons at all levels of the Department, from faculty and staff to graduate and undergraduate students. Exceptional organizational, written and oral communication, analytical, interp