Current jobs related to Instructional Support Technician - Edmonton AB TG B - University of Alberta

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

As a member of the Undergrad Support Services Team, the ideal candidate will work to support and enhance the learning experience of the undergrad students, especially in the laboratory components of their program.

As a team, we take primary responsibility for the undergrad labs, including:

• Equipment
• Mentoring grad students, TAs & LIs
• Being the LI (where appropriate)
• Mentoring undergrad students
• Maintaining lab materials & manuals
• Work with Course Instructors to create & develop lab materials
• Working with the Course Instructors on all aspects of course/lab continuity
• Within our model, Course Instructors own the lab content as it is a part of the course content

This position requires a breadth, strength and depth of expertise to enable the incumbent to thrive in an environment of constant technological change. The ideal candidate will be called on to support faculty, support staff, undergraduate students and graduate students in a teaching and administrative environment.

The ideal candidate will have responsibility for the instruction of at least one undergraduate lab course offered through the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department (including web site updates, coordination of teaching assistants and marking, updating and testing lab experiments). This position will focus on supporting the courses in our department related to the Electrical and Mechatronics Engineering degree programs.

The ideal candidate is also responsible for maintaining the lab equipment in the lab, including specifying and designing equipment, building new and modifying old equipment, testing and repair, collecting data, writing manuals and lab procedures, documentation of equipment. They will be responsible to develop and implement safety procedures for the labs and ensure lab safety.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America's top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

Managing and Planning Work

• Converting instructions from Administration (student program requirements) and Faculty (research program requirements) into a work schedule.
• Setting and/or negotiating priorities.
• Organizing the work of junior/entry-level technicians in conjunction with the senior technician and supervising technician.
• Recommending build vs. buy decisions based on time/funding availability. This would require preliminary design work and consultation with the machine shop on mechanical construction (materials, time, scheduling).
• Monitor suppliers' capabilities (bring in equipment for demonstrations and/or check availability, delivery times of parts & equipment).

Teaching & Teaching Support

• Train users on the safe and correct use of laboratory equipment for undergraduate lab courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Develop Safe Operating Procedures as needed.
• Instruct at least one undergraduate lab course offered through the ECE department.
• Ensure lab assignments are collected, marked and recorded with the Faculty Course Instructor.
• Set up lab equipment and/or software for the lab and be available to resolve equipment, system and/or software troubles.
• Ensure that the grad student Lab Instructors (LIs) and Teaching Assistants (TAs) are appropriately prepared/trained before their labs and be available to provide additional assistance/training to them if needed.
• Set lab schedule within existing timetables and coordinate with other lab instructors where labs alternate between courses.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair and Testing of Equipment

• Help design and maintain hardware and software infrastructures.
• Develop hardware modules for use in the undergraduate labs; this may include PCB design, prototyping new circuits, or interfacing new hardware to existing hardware.
• When equipment breaks down, troubleshoot to discover the source of the breakdown and take appropriate action to repair the equipment if possible or recommend alternate action based on time/funding available.
• Test and calibrate equipment for correct operation and take action as required for equipment maintenance.

Design & Construction of Special Equipment for Research

• Guide graduate students in defining and/or designing experimental equipment or systems to support their research/thesis program.

• Keep current on occupational, health and safety regulations for the labs.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Computer Engineering or Computer Science, or a technical degree in Electronics, Instrumentation or a related field with a minimum of 4 years of experience in research and/or teaching environments.

• Experience with mechatronics systems, robotics, and control systems.
• A mechanical aptitude is desirable.
• Experience with public speaking or teaching/instruction is a definite asset.
• Excellent communication skills in English a requirement.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with hardware, test equipment and software.
• Detailed understanding of the interrelationships among the systems, networks, and various hardware and software components in order to address problems that arise.
• Mentorship of undergrad and graduate students and junior technical staff.
• Ability to co-operate and get along with people from all cultures.
• Must be able to maintain composure and creativity around all kinds of co-workers.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.