Laboratory Supervisor

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: Level O

Please note, this position is a full-time sessional opportunity working from August to May each year.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering is one of four departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Supervisor will be responsible for providing technical services and support, and for maintaining smooth daily operations of undergraduate teaching laboratory sessions in the Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering. The role will provide training and oversight to students and Teaching Assistants to ensure laboratory sessions are delivered properly and consistently, and will ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including use of personal protective equipment, during the labs. The role will ensure the availability of materials and information necessary for the conduct of laboratory sessions for the program, and will assist course instructors with developing and preparing laboratory sessions with regards to the facilities, experimental procedures, materials, equipment, instrumentation, maintenance, troubleshooting and administration. The Laboratory Supervisor will research supplies, materials and equipment and provides estimates for budgets, designs special apparatus and equipment for labs and collects and disposes of hazardous solutions and waste according to Health and Safety Guidelines.

Qualifications

Education:

• 3 Year Community College Diploma with a major in Chemical or Bioengineering Technology
• Undergraduate degree in Chemical Biochemical Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Chemical Technology preferred

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience working in an academic or industrial laboratory environment with analytical instrumentation in the areas of organic chemistry, green chemistry and/or biochemical engineering
• Experience working as a supervisor and ensuring safety in a laboratory setting
• Experience supervising undergraduate students in a wet chemistry laboratory environment preferred
• Experience with microplate readers and DNA gels would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of and ability to use analytical Instruments including Gas Chromatograph, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), UV-VIS Spectrometer, High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC)
• Working knowledge of hand tools, glassware, electrical and electronic equipment found in a laboratory environment
• Knowledge of common laboratory practices, safe handling procedures for toxic substances and proper separation of waste and disposal documentation, WHMIS and MSDS
• Manual dexterity and the ability to perform precise movements
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis as well as with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and analyses
• Ability to prepare, setup and deploy teaching labs according to schedule and instructions and to quickly learn and apply new concepts and laboratory techniques
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support with the ability to resolve issues with lab preparation, set-up and clean-up
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation and reports
• Critical thinking skills to analyze problems, and collect information required to make an accurate conclusion
• Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
• Ability and willingness to employ a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and making decisions
• Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize data
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments with an ongoing commitment to learning and professional development
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

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