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Job Requisition ID:

2026-00688

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Laboratory Support

Employment Type:

Permanent

Department:

Faculty of Science - Physics and Astronomy - Administration

Hiring Range:

$67,688.63 - $84,610.79

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is May 28, 2026 at 11:59PM

There is a qualified internal in the role.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Lab Instructor position is directly involved with all aspects of laboratory course setup, instruction and assessment. Responsibilities include setting up lab equipment, lab teaching, report marking and exam grading, as well as supervision of graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs). Potential course involvement in PHYS 112L, 242L, 175L, 270L, 370L, 391L and 360A/B based on interest/experience.

Key Accountabilities

Direct involvement in laboratory instruction and evaluation of students in a wide range of undergraduate lab courses offered within the department of Physics and Astronomy

· Instruct students with course curriculum and provide lab introductions.

· Supervise laboratory sessions, answer students’ questions, provide technical assistance to students.

· Establish grading schemes, mark reports, prepare and mark laboratory examinations, prepare final course grades.

· Create and maintain online learning resources associated with laboratory courses.

· Co-ordinate curriculum with faculty members teaching related lecture courses.

Supervise graduate TAs assigned to teach in undergraduate lab courses

· Meet with Grad TAs to review expectations and responsibilities and distribute course information and marking schemes

· Monitor TA performance, grading results, and provide feedback and mentoring.

Performs the assembly, testing, dis-assembly and storage of undergraduate laboratory equipment.

· Responsible for setting up and taking down equipment used in the undergraduate laboratories.

· Maintains the stock of equipment through proper storage, upkeep, testing and repair regimens.

· Oversees the care and maintenance of the physical facilities within the lab, including fixed permanent equipment, and scientific teaching equipment and apparatus.

Required Qualifications

Education

· BSc in Physics, Astronomy or related field. MSc or PhD preferred

Experience

· 3-5 years’ experience with physics and astronomy laboratory equipment and systems of equipment.

· Experience with scientific computation, analysis and graphing software an asset.

· Lecturing, mentoring and supervisory experience an asset

· Technical writing skills is an asset

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

· A broad knowledge of experimental physics

· Proficiency with the operation and use of a very wide range of scientific measurement apparatus

· Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills

· Above average communication and presentation skills, in both oral and written formats when interacting with both internal and external contacts

· Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

· Experience with LabView would be considered an asset

Nature and Scope

· Contacts: Works closely with the Instructor, Lab Instructor, Lab Director and the Classroom Demonstrations & Outreach Coordinator, graduate student teaching assistants, students enrolled in Physics and Astronomy courses

· Level of Responsibility: The job requires specialized work with minimal supervision and may have direct reports (Teaching assistants) reporting to it.

· Decision-Making Authority: The position requires making decisions as to the academic integrity and the report grades assigned to undergraduate student submissions, as well as the overall final student evaluation for any lab course to which the Lab Instructor is assigned. Authority will defer to the instructor, or the department chair in any unresolved or contested circumstances.

· Physical and Sensory Demands: The candidate will be required to do some moderate lifting. The position also requires a moderate amount of walking and standing.

Working Environment:The work is teaching laboratory and office based, with a possibility of exposure to interactions with people who are upset or angry. There is occasional work in environments with hazardous substances (Chemicals, radioisotopes, compressed gases, cryogenic fluids, x-rays). Some evening work may be required.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.