Lab Manager

Date Posted: 02/14/2024
Req ID: 36035
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dunlap Inst. for Astronomy & Astrophysic
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00055034

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s 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.

The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is one of the leading research centres for astronomy in Canada. Located at one of the top research universities, our institute retains reputable faculty, students and staff, all of whom are committed to innovation, public outreach and cutting-edge research. Our institute’s field of research covers a multitude of subject matter across the universe, such as galaxy evolution and dark energy. We are dedicated to making our education, training, and activities pleasant and welcoming for all. Public outreach is a major pillar of the Institute, which is engaged in multiple outreach programs and events such as Discover the Universe, Cosmos from Your Couch, and Astronomy on Tap T.O.

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.

Your opportunity:

The Dunlap Institute operates several labs developing astronomical instrumentation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio through infrared, optical, and ultraviolet wavelengths. These labs are developing next generation technologies and building and testing novel optical, mechanical, and electronic instrumentation for astrophysics.

The Dunlap Institute develops major scientific infrastructure that is deployed at world-leading observatories such as the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) and the Gemini optical observatory. Significant components of these scientific instruments are designed, built, and assembled at UofT labs. The Dunlap Institute also hosts in-house fabrication capabilities (e.g., machine shop, 3D printing facilities, electronics shop) that are heavily utilized for prototyping and fabrication of our hardware.

Reporting to the Director and under the general guidance of the Department Manager, the Lab Manager is responsible for providing laboratory management, support, and services; ensuring smooth operation of our facilities, training others on equipment and protocols, coordinating tasks and resources, maintaining lab equipment and inventory, conducting purchasing activities, and providing procurement guidance and direction to others. The Lab manager also ensures compliance with safety regulations and provides safety training, as well as serves as a resource to others by providing job-related guidance and orientation on lab equipment and procedures.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing day-to-day operationalneeds for one or more labs/workshops
• Performing lab experiments that requires great precision and attention to many details
• Providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures to students and/or employees on lab techniques, experimental procedures and protocols
• Coordinating the use of lab space to ensure smooth operation of facility
• Maintaining inventory of glass and dishware, workstations, chemicals and/or apparatus within the lab
• Liaising with internal and external contacts to facilitate purchasing and/or procurement processes
• Applying established standards when cleaning lab, rooms, and equipment
• Providing safety training and ensuring compliance to lab safety procedures and standards

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Engineering or Science or acceptable combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum five years of recent and relevant experience manage a researchlab (operation and maintenance) and lab equipment purchasing activities.
• Experience developing manuals and procedure documents for a research lab.
• Experience maintaining equipment and supplies using inventory management system
• Experience organizing and providing training to lab users on safety procedures and regulations
• Experience with troubleshooting equipment and experimental setups in a lab environment.
• Expertise in international procurement of high-valued equipment, including experience conducting detailed analysis of competitive solicitations
• Experience providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures to students and/or employees on lab techniques, experimental procedures and protocols
• Strong knowledge of various EHS regulations and standards.
• Familiar with common computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project).
• Skills in maintenance and troubleshooting of various laboratory equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, organization and interpersonal skills
• Effective time management, with the ability to handle multiple tasks.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience with astronomical instruments.
• Skills in instrument design, construction, and testing of systems.
• Experience in prototyping of electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Familiar with mechanical and/or fabrication methods and techniques, such as metal forming, manual and CNC machining using vertical mill and lathe, general hand-fabrication experience.
• Wiring and cable harness fabrication techniques, such as crimping and soldering.
• Knowledge of and/or relationships with local technical vendors/suppliers and general trades
• Experience in managing technical bids (procurement).

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Efficient
• Meticulous
• Multi-tasker
• Problem solver
• Team player

Closing Date: 03/15/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 -- $93,752 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $119,892. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

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.