Course Technician

at  McGill University

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Department of Physics
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Undergraduate Laboratory Manager, the Course Technician oversees the day-to-day operations of undergraduate teaching laboratories in the Department of Physics. Assists students with their projects and provides technical support in other areas of the department as needs arise. Prepares demonstration apparatuses. Maintains equipment and inventories of consumables and components.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepares and sets up equipment and apparatuses for student experiments in laboratory courses, ensuring proper function and safe operability.
• Participates in the training of students and teaching assistants in conducting course experiments and in the correct use of equipment and apparatuses.
• Assists with the preparation and updating of laboratory manuals, handbooks, operating procedures, and teaching aids; coordinates the production and distribution of these documents.
• Tests, evaluates, maintains, and repairs equipment for existing experiments. Arranges for external servicing where needed.
• Designs, fabricates, and modifies apparatuses as required.
• Assists with laboratory scheduling and coordination of different course sections.
• Confers with professors concerning the scope and objectives of teaching laboratory sessions. Conducts literature searches: reviews, selects and modifies apparatuses to meet course needs. Participates in devising new methodology and experiments.
• Acts as resource person and resolves technical and equipment problems for students, teaching assistants, and professors. Provides technical guidance and assistance concerning work methods, the use of equipment and techniques.
• Oversees equipment loans and ensures equipment is returned.
• Coordinates provision of equipment and materials for general department use, particularly demonstration apparatuses for lectures and outreach activities.
• Maintains inventory. Takes stock of equipment and supplies for database maintenance. Recommends equipment and material for purchase. Ensures timely purchase of consumables. Plans for future needs.
• Assists with the operation and maintenance of the department makerspace, which contains 3-D printers, CNC routers, and electronics workstations.
• Keeps abreast of new developments in the field to update skills and knowledge.
• Uses a variety of equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, power supplies, microcontrollers, electronics prototyping equipment, vacuum pumps, lasers, optical components, 3D printers, metal- and wood-working tools, computers, and audio-visual equipment. Handles radioactive sources and some chemicals.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations in the use of equipment and materials. Ensures proper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials such as common solvents, cleaners, and lubricants.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Comfort interacting and working with different groups of people (e.g. students, technical staff, instructors, faculty members, and vendors) and answering questions regarding laboratory apparatuses and their configuration.
• An undergraduate degree in Physics is an asset.
• Knowledge of teaching physics laboratory techniques and experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of laboratory safety.
• Knowledge of software programming languages, especially Python.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the following equipment: oscilloscopes and other test equipment, computers and data acquisition systems, lasers, and vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team within a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining composure and exercising patience.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize, handle multiple priorities as well as multitask time-sensitive issues efficiently on a tight schedule.
• Analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot, assess and solve problems.
• Must be able to lift, move and manipulate equipment weighing up to 25 kg and climb on ladders to install and work on overhead apparatuses.

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 3 on a scale of 0-4.
N.B.: This position is located in Montreal, Quebec and the work for this position is expected to be performed in Quebec.
Minimum Education and Experience:
DEC III - Medical Laboratory Technology 4 Years Related Experience /
Hourly Salary:
(MUNACA Level H) $33.05 - $40.97
Hours per Week:
35 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Undergraduate Laboratory Manager
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
2024-11-19
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca

• Prepares and sets up equipment and apparatuses for student experiments in laboratory courses, ensuring proper function and safe operability.
• Participates in the training of students and teaching assistants in conducting course experiments and in the correct use of equipment and apparatuses.
• Assists with the preparation and updating of laboratory manuals, handbooks, operating procedures, and teaching aids; coordinates the production and distribution of these documents.
• Tests, evaluates, maintains, and repairs equipment for existing experiments. Arranges for external servicing where needed.
• Designs, fabricates, and modifies apparatuses as required.
• Assists with laboratory scheduling and coordination of different course sections.
• Confers with professors concerning the scope and objectives of teaching laboratory sessions. Conducts literature searches: reviews, selects and modifies apparatuses to meet course needs. Participates in devising new methodology and experiments.
• Acts as resource person and resolves technical and equipment problems for students, teaching assistants, and professors. Provides technical guidance and assistance concerning work methods, the use of equipment and techniques.
• Oversees equipment loans and ensures equipment is returned.
• Coordinates provision of equipment and materials for general department use, particularly demonstration apparatuses for lectures and outreach activities.
• Maintains inventory. Takes stock of equipment and supplies for database maintenance. Recommends equipment and material for purchase. Ensures timely purchase of consumables. Plans for future needs.
• Assists with the operation and maintenance of the department makerspace, which contains 3-D printers, CNC routers, and electronics workstations.
• Keeps abreast of new developments in the field to update skills and knowledge.
• Uses a variety of equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, power supplies, microcontrollers, electronics prototyping equipment, vacuum pumps, lasers, optical components, 3D printers, metal- and wood-working tools, computers, and audio-visual equipment. Handles radioactive sources and some chemicals.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations in the use of equipment and materials. Ensures proper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials such as common solvents, cleaners, and lubricants