Laboratory Assistant jobs in Winnipeg, MB

MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION/TRAINING:

• B.Sc. degree in a related study area with three years of directly-related experience is required.
• Must have successfully completed gross and microscopic vertebrate or human anatomy and physiology upper-level courses.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience teaching Human or Comparative Anatomy/Physiology is an asset.
• Experience with training, supervising and evaluating teaching assistants required.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds required.
• Experience with supervising and evaluating teaching assistants preferred.
• Experience with university purchasing processes and systems is preferred.
• Experience with a wide range of techniques used in classical and modern anatomy and physiology teaching is preferred.
• Experience using UM Learn in an instructor mode is an asset.
• Experience in maintaining, repairing and disposing of scientific equipment required.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have excellent organizational skills to manage multiple teaching lab set ups/take downs per day.
• Must have proven ability to keep work areas neat, clean and organized in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to work well with others, coordinate demands of work and schedule activities to complete required tasks within each day is required.
• Must have ability to maintain fully functional labs and must be able to manage inventory of supplies and materials and anticipate equipment maintenance and upgrades.
• Proven experience in teaching university students is required.
• Ability to work with fresh or preserved biological specimens (ie sheep hearts, rats) is required.
• Ability to learn from instruction and from reading the laboratory procedures manual and the laboratory manual required.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing required.
• Intermediate experience with computers and information management using various computer systems ie Windows/Apple/AV equipment is required.
• Intermediate skills with computer use (Microsoft Office programs) and internet searches for procurement of materials and supplies required.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

OTHER JOB RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous work experience in a university setting is preferred.

• Assists Lab Instructor with the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of Teaching Assistants (TAs) and students.
• Manages the daily scheduling of TAs, anticipates absences, and advises Lab Coordinator of changes to their schedules.
• Maintains TA lab attendance records and advises Payroll Assistant of scheduling changes promptly to avoid overpayment.
• Administers weekly training session for TAs to ensure upcoming lab material is understood. Schedules additional sessions regularly for TAs unable to attend.
• Tracks and reports TA training session attendance.
• Monitors TAs during labs to ensure consistent and accurate information is provided to the students. Provides feedback weekly to on TA performance for direction on corrective action.
• Provides input and feedback on TA performance for awards.
• Prioritizes attending labs scheduled with inexperienced TAs or TAs needing improvement to observe and ensure consistency in labs.
• Provides feedback to Lab Coordinator on any changes in performance.
• Ensures TAs obtain required safety training and advises Lab Coordinator/Instructor of status of safety training of all TAs regularly.
• Assists Lab instructor in administering student TA evaluations, compiling student evaluation data, and provides a summary of student rated performance to evaluator.
• Assists with weekly updates of UM Learn materials, assigning students to appropriate UM Learn groups and provides support for the development of new materials.
• Prepares and maintains current teaching material for labs that aids students to locate structures and understand concepts. Prepares and maintains instructional material for lab reviews.
• Uses cameras and computer software to produce, edit and maintain photographs of anatomy models and histological slides.
• Updates lab instruction aids as directed and makes suggestions to improve aids and manuals as new resources become available. Leads physiology lab tutorials, as required, to provide additional instruction on relevant concepts.
• Provides input and support for development or modification of lab exercises in cooperation with Course Instructors.
• Answers material-related questions from students and TAs and provides support.
• Provides support to Anatomy and Physiology Instructor to facilitate exams.
• Assists with the administration of deferred exams and other scheduled exams.
• Organizes and stores all laboratory equipment.
• Maintains an electronic inventory of laboratory equipment. Ensures chemicals and biological specimens are stored safely and are properly disposed of in compliance with EHS regulations.
• Maintains, repairs and replaces laboratory equipment. Disposes of obsolete and damaged beyond repair items properly and as necessary using U of M asset management procedures.
• Develops and maintains step-by step instructional materials for proper operation of equipment. Assists and trains TAs and students in the proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Provides technical support for lab computers and physiological data collection equipment and troubleshoots issues with hardware and software.
• Issues purchase orders and visa orders for general lab materials and supplies as needed in preparation for the beginning of labs using U of M purchasing procedures in conjunction with the support from the Science Storekeeper assigned to Biological Sciences.
• Makes recommendations for the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment required for labs. Provides input and support for endowment fund proposals.
• Ensures the security of the lab and its contents including exam materials both current and past.
• Sets up and takes down teaching labs.
• Arranges and dismantles lab exams.
• Maintains laboratory class lists and student attendance records.
• Schedules and co-ordinates make-up labs for students.
• Responds to student inquiries made to the A & P generic email regarding lab questions. Refers lecture questions to appropriate Course Instructor.
• Other duties as assigned.