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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Laboratory Instructor

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

EducationScienceResearchInstructional Staff

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and knowledgeable Laboratory Instructor to facilitate engaging and effective hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate students. This pivotal role involves leading laboratory sections, preparing experimental materials, ensuring a safe and functional lab environment, and providing essential mentorship to students. The ideal candidate is passionate about science education, possesses strong technical lab skills, and excels at communicating complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical lecture content and practical application, directly shaping student success and fostering a deep appreciation for the scientific method.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant (with a Master's or Ph.D.)
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  • Experienced Laboratory Technician or Research Assistant
  • High School Science Teacher (with advanced degree)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Laboratory Instructor or Coordinator
  • Laboratory Manager / Director of Instructional Laboratories
  • Lecturer or Senior Lecturer
  • Curriculum Development Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Science Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
  • Technical Writer or Scientific Editor
  • Instrumentation Specialist or Trainer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Deliver high-quality, engaging instruction during scheduled undergraduate laboratory sessions, guiding students through experimental procedures and reinforcing theoretical concepts.
  • Prepare, test, and troubleshoot all necessary reagents, solutions, cultures, and materials required for laboratory experiments to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Develop, review, and update laboratory manuals, instructional materials, and experiment protocols to ensure they are current, effective, and aligned with course learning objectives.
  • Evaluate student performance by grading lab reports, practical exams, quizzes, and other assignments, providing timely and constructive feedback to promote learning and skill development.
  • Enforce and model strict laboratory safety protocols and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for all students and staff and maintaining compliance with institutional and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
  • Maintain, calibrate, and perform routine troubleshooting on laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure they are in optimal working condition for instructional use.
  • Hold regular office hours to provide one-on-one academic support, answer student questions, and offer guidance on lab techniques and data analysis.
  • Manage the setup and breakdown of laboratory stations before and after each lab session, ensuring an organized and efficient workflow.
  • Supervise, train, and mentor graduate and undergraduate Teaching Assistants (TAs), delegating tasks and providing guidance on effective teaching and grading strategies.
  • Provide direct, hands-on assistance and demonstration to students during experiments, helping them develop proficiency in essential laboratory techniques.
  • Maintain a comprehensive inventory of laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment, and initiate procurement orders to replenish stock as needed.
  • Oversee the proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemical and biological waste in accordance with institutional and environmental safety guidelines.
  • Adapt instructional strategies and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles and provide support for students with varying levels of prior experience.
  • Collaborate closely with course faculty and lecturers to ensure seamless integration and alignment between lecture topics and laboratory activities.
  • Maintain accurate and organized records of student grades, attendance, and safety training completion using the university's Learning Management System (LMS).

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in departmental meetings, contributing to discussions on curriculum development, instructional improvement, and student success initiatives.
  • Assist in the development and piloting of new laboratory experiments and teaching modules to enhance the curriculum and student learning experience.
  • Contribute to the writing and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new lab activities and equipment.
  • Coordinate laboratory schedules for multiple course sections to avoid conflicts and optimize the use of space and resources.
  • Assist with student recruitment and departmental outreach events, often involving tours and demonstrations of the laboratory facilities.
  • Stay current with advancements in the scientific field and in science pedagogy to continuously improve instructional quality.
  • Assist faculty with small-scale research or preparation tasks that align with instructional responsibilities and departmental needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Subject Matter Expertise: Deep theoretical and practical knowledge in the relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering).
  • Laboratory Techniques: Proficiency in a wide range of standard and advanced laboratory techniques specific to the field (e.g., PCR, spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatography, cell culture).
  • Lab Safety & Compliance: Comprehensive understanding of chemical hygiene, biosafety, hazardous waste disposal, and OSHA/EPA regulations.
  • Instrumentation: Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting common laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
  • Curriculum Development: Ability to design, assess, and refine laboratory exercises and instructional materials.
  • Data Analysis: Competency in using software (like Excel, R, or specialized programs) for data collection, analysis, and visualization.
  • LMS Proficiency: Experience using Learning Management Systems such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle for grading and course management.

Soft Skills

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for explaining complex topics clearly to a diverse student audience and collaborating with colleagues.
  • Instruction & Mentorship: A passion for teaching and the ability to guide, motivate, and mentor students effectively.
  • Organizational Skills: Superior ability to manage time, resources, and schedules for multiple lab sections simultaneously.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to resolve issues with experiments, equipment, or student difficulties.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to preparing materials, maintaining records, and ensuring safety and accuracy in the lab.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport with students and work collaboratively and professionally with faculty, TAs, and staff.
  • Patience & Adaptability: The capacity to remain patient with learners at all levels and adapt teaching methods to meet student needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant scientific field.

Preferred Education:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Biology (Molecular, Cellular, Ecology, etc.)
  • Chemistry (Organic, Analytical, General)
  • Physics
  • Biochemistry
  • Engineering (Chemical, Biomedical, etc.)
  • Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience as a Teaching Assistant (TA) at the university level is highly valued.
  • Experience in a laboratory setting (academic or industry) involving the techniques and instrumentation relevant to the course.
  • Demonstrated experience in a teaching, training, or supervisory role.
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