Job Description

Job Category: Administrative Support
:
This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position has a term length of one year from the date of hire.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Position Summary
The Department of Physics invites applications for an Undergraduate Laboratories (UGL) Assistant, a hands-on instructional and operational role supporting junior and senior-level undergraduate laboratory courses that serve 5,000 registrants per year. Working under the direction of the UGL Coordinator, the successful candidate will support laboratory instruction, assist with teaching assistant coordination, and contribute to the development and delivery of undergraduate laboratory materials.
This is a temporary casual contract for up to 12 months. The expected start date for the position is May 1, 2026.
Responsibilities:
Instructional Support and Teaching

• Instruct undergraduate laboratory classes as assigned.
• Support students during laboratory sessions and respond to questions related to experiments, procedures, and assessment.
• Prepare short instructional materials (e.g., slide decks) explaining equipment use, experimental procedures, and relevant theory.
• Assist with grading and marking of laboratory reports.

Teaching Assistant Support

• Assist in training and supporting Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs).
• Participate in in-person and/or online TA meetings focused on experiments, grading standards, equipment use, and laboratory software.
• Assist with departmental TA orientations and training sessions.
• Monitor TA attendance and punctuality and report issues to the UGL Coordinator.

Laboratory Operations

• Assist with scheduling of laboratory spaces and TA assignments.
• Support continuity of laboratory operations during temporary absences of the UGL Coordinator, as directed.
• Set up, test, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment in junior and senior teaching labs.
• Assist with the setup, removal, and storage of laboratory equipment in consultation with UGL technical staff.

Curriculum, Materials, and Systems

• Assist with the development, revision, and proofreading of laboratory manuals and web-based instructional materials.
• Clarify experimental instructions and revise content as required.
• Assist in the development of new laboratory experiments and instructional materials, including online and in-person labs.
• Create and maintain Canvas course sites and electronic gradebooks under direction.
• Assist with the collection and collation of final laboratory grades.
• Support academic integrity processes within laboratory courses.

Outreach and Service

• Assist with high school visits, departmental outreach activities, and open house events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the UGL Coordinator or Academic Director.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering, with experience in experimental physics.
• Experience with experimental techniques and laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience supporting or delivering instruction in a laboratory or teaching environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Ability to work a schedule that includes evening laboratory sessions during teaching terms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with the supervision or training of teaching assistants.
• Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
• Experience with general productivity tools (e.g., Google Docs, surveys, spreadsheets).
• Programming experience in Python.
• Interest in or familiarity with best practices in undergraduate laboratory education.

Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, applicants should describe why they are the best candidate for the job.
Initial review of applications is expected to start in mid-March.
This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
About Us:
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, 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. .
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, Metis 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'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
About the Team: The is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

Skills Required