Job Description

Date Posted: 09/05/2023
Req ID: 33750
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00009539

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto is one of the largest departments of its kind in North America, with internationallyrenowned and award winning faculty. We strive to provide the necessary context, expertise, and guidance on pressing challenges that face society today, including combating global climate change and saving rare and endangered species. Our department is, and will remain a world leader in discovery, innovation, and teaching in this science, offering endless opportunities for those looking to make a difference.

Your opportunity:

Under direction of the Teaching Lab Manager and guidance of the Lab Coordinator and Undergraduate Administrator, the incumbent provides technical, administrative and clerical support to large enrollment courses (i.e. BIO120 and BIO220), and other undergraduate courses if needed. Duties include but are not limited to: provides required lab materials and equipment as dictated by course outlines (including preparation of chemical solutions and collecting samples from the field); organizes, sets up and takes down each lab; captures electronicimages of lab exercises for upload to course website (i.e. Quercus); assembles course materials for printing and distribution; maintains inventory of electronic images and assembles images for labs; learns new procedures and methods when new courses and lab exercises are established and creatively translates methods into course eLab content; and assists with course administration etc.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Constructing proof of concept experiments to test different elements of the process
• Providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures to students and/or employees on lab techniques, experimental procedures and protocols
• Collaborating with staff and course instructors to determine lab set up requirements
• Creating and producing visual images on scientific data and research
• Preparing, assembling and setting-up material, equipment and supplies used in teaching and/or research labs
• Creating program and course materials
• Maintaining information in databases
• Serving as a technical resource on laboratory protocols, and experimental procedures and equipment.
• Collecting experimental data, verifying results and passing on findings in addition to handling animal specimens (live and preserved), including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor\'s Degree in biological sciences, with a focus on ecology or evolutionary biology, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Minimum two years lab and course administration experience, including providing technical, administrative and clerical support, preferably in ecology, evolution, plant biology, or environmental biology teaching and/or research labs and/or courses
• Experience with field work and/or field collections strongly preferred
• Experience with developing materials for online labs and providing support for online labs
• Direct interactions with undergraduate students in a college or university setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of use of standard laboratory equipment and techniques, such as spectrophotometer, balance, microscope, centrifuge, pH meter, pipetting, serial dilutions, chemical preparation, handling of biological materials
• Demonstrated experience capturing experiment images and creating eContent for eLabs
• Demonstrated experience generating and maintaining an inventory of electronic course materials for labs specifically digital lab materials
• Demonstrated problem solving skill with the ability to proactively recognize issues
• Proficient in MicroSoft Office (i.e. Work, Excel)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational ability, tact and diplomacy in dealing with others
• Ability to lift heavy lab equipment up to 30lbs on a regular basis
• Ability to work with electronic camera equipment and optimize camera images
• Ability to work outdoors (e.g. student field trips, field collections)
• Ability to operate the department vehicle to collect materials for teaching labs. Valid driver\'s license required.
• Willingness to work evenings occasionally to support labs as determined by class scheduling
• Strong creativity

Assets (Nonessential):

• Knowledge of EEB courses
• Master\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in ecology and evolutionary biology preferred

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Meticulous
• Multi-tasker
• Possess a positive attitude
• Responsible
• Self-directed
• Team player

Please note:

There are two (2) positions available. There is one (1) full-time continuing position. There is one (1) term position until June 2024.

Closing Date: 09/14/2023, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing and Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 09 -- $60,006 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $76,739. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

University of Toronto