Job Description

Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator

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Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.

Primary Purpose:

The Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for designing, implementing and managing undergraduate biology laboratories in accordance with course, departmental and college objectives. This position will be primarily responsible for labs in the area of ecology and evolution.

Nature of Work:

The Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator reports to the Head, Department of Biology. The Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator works in collaboration with other Laboratory Coordinators, Laboratory Assistants and faculty members to implement the undergraduate biology instructional program. In addition, the Undergraduate Laboratory Coordinator provides direct supervision, leadership and support to teaching assistants (TAs). The position is one that is heavily involved in academic matters and as such requires a high capacity for problem solving, sound judgement, and attention to detail in order to ensure that the biology laboratory programs match the departmental objectives as well as helps students achieve their academic goals. This is a high volume position requiring the ability to work under pressure (often high levels of stress due to the volume of work and regular interruptions) in an environment where competing deadlines and multi-tasking is the norm. The work is given minimal direction but requires the management of competing interests with satisfactory outcomes for all involved. Must be able to negotiate boundaries and manage projects to positive outcomes; manage complex issues and conflict. The work significantly impacts the student experience at the university and is therefore expected to have a strong positive influence on college programs and on student recruitment in departmental programs. Considerable discretion is required as this position is privy to and works with confidential student information. The position exercises professional judgement to deal with emerging and unpredictable events which impact the department - faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students and student services and programs.

Accountabilities:

People Leadership

Select, supervise, train and evaluate laboratory TAs with the quality of instruction in the biology laboratories given highest priority. Develop professional, collaborative relationships with members of the laboratory teaching staff, with faculty and staff within the Department, College and non-University groups or organizations.

Academic Programming and Scholarship

Develop, deliver and continuously improve biology lab programs. Prepare, develop and deliver teaching materials that are consistent with course objectives and are completed in a timely manner. These include lab schedules, TA manuals, marking schemes, lab manuals, quizzes, problem session questions and solutions, online homework systems, etc

Risk Management and Financial Resources

Ensure a safe work environment by making sure that safe lab practices are followed and that all current environmental health and safety, and biosafety regulations are met. Ensure a safe environment by making sure that safe field research practices and regulations are followed for any off-campus excursions Ensure appropriate on-site training for TAs and students in safety procedures and practices. Ensure effective use of people, materials and equipment to minimize financial expense of biology lab operation.

Student Enrolment/Development

Provide assistance with biology laboratory work and online class assignments through direct student interaction and through email. Assist in the professional development of TAs by providing mentorship and support for their teaching duties.

Administrative Resources

Prepare, maintain and submit accurate attendance and grades records and likewise ensure these are submitted regularly by TAs. Develop appropriate biology laboratory schedules for the department.

Strategic and/or Unit Level Planning

Participate in long-term planning of content and delivery of biology courses and labs in addition to participating on departmental committees.

Other/ External Relationships/Partnerships

Act as a resource person in biology lab related matters. Such activities may include evaluating off-campus facilities, coordinating high school events, giving advice regarding laboratory renovations and providing materials and access to equipment as deemed appropriate.

Education:

A M.Sc in Biology or related field with experience and expertise in ecology and/or evolution.

Experience:

A minimum of three years of related experience, which can include experience related to graduate work. Courses/training related to teaching at undergraduate institutions would also be an asset.

Skills:

A demonstrated ability in effective decision making, leadership, motivation and team management skills is required. The ability to work independently, collaboratively, and as part of a team with other laboratory staff is imperative. Working with confidential student information in a discreet manner is essential to the position, as is the ability to interact with persons at all levels of the Department from faculty and staff, to graduate and undergraduate students. Exceptional organizational, written and oral communication, analytical, interpersonal and computer skills are required. A solid background in genetics and molecular biology, and familiarity with common and even emerging techniques in the biology laboratory is required.

Department:

Biology

Status:

Permanent

Employment Group:

ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

1.0

Salary:

The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable):

Instructional

Salary Phase/Band:

Phase 2

Posted Date:

8/22/2025

Closing Date:

8/28/2025 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings:

1

Work Location:

On Campus




The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the

deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy

and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.