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Assistant Lab Instructor Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

... Lab Instructor position is directly involved with all aspects of laboratory course setup ... Assistants (TAs). Potential course involvement in PHYS 112L, 242L, 175L, 270L, 370L, 391L and 360A ...

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Assistant Lab Instructor information

What is the difference between Assistant Lab Instructor vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectAssistant Lab InstructorTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsUsually requires a relevant degree or coursework in the subjectOften a student or recent graduate, sometimes with similar coursework
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experiments and lab setupClassroom or lab settings, supporting instruction and grading
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, research labsEducational institutions, primarily in academic settings
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying differences in academic support roles

The Assistant Lab Instructor typically focuses on assisting with laboratory activities, experiments, and lab management, often requiring relevant coursework or a degree. A Teaching Assistant may support both classroom and lab instruction, often being a student or recent graduate. While both roles involve educational support, the Assistant Lab Instructor is more specialized in lab environments, whereas the Teaching Assistant has broader instructional duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant lab instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Lab Instructor, you need a solid background in the relevant scientific discipline, experience with laboratory procedures, and at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data analysis software is typically required. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to guide and motivate students are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient lab operations and enhance students' learning experiences.

What is an assistant lab instructor?

Assistant Lab Instructors are individuals who support lead instructors or professors in conducting laboratory sessions, typically at educational institutions. They help set up lab equipment, guide students through experiments, ensure safety protocols are followed, and assist with grading or answering questions. Their role is crucial in providing hands-on learning and fostering a safe, productive laboratory environment. Assistant Lab Instructors may also help develop lab materials or troubleshoot technical issues during sessions.

How do assistant lab instructors typically balance administrative duties with hands-on teaching responsibilities?

Assistant Lab Instructors often juggle a mix of preparing lab materials, grading assignments, and directly supporting students during lab sessions. Balancing these tasks requires strong organizational skills and effective time management. Many find it helpful to set aside specific times each week for administrative work, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with student interaction or real-time troubleshooting during labs. Working closely with lead instructors and other lab staff can also help distribute the workload and maintain a positive, collaborative environment.

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

At theUniversity of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.
Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID:

2026-01330


Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Academic Delivery Support

Employment Type:

Permanent

Department:

Faculty of Science - Physics and Astronomy - Laboratory Teaching

Hiring Range:

$67,688.63 - $84,610.79

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is July 16, 2026 at 11:59PM

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Lab Instructor position is directly involved with all aspects of laboratory course setup, instruction and assessment. Responsibilities include setting up lab equipment, lab teaching, report marking and exam grading, as well as supervision of graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs). Potential course involvement in PHYS 112L, 242L, 175L, 270L, 370L, 391L and 360A/B based on interest/experience.

Key Accountabilities

Direct involvement in laboratory instruction and evaluation of students in a wide range of undergraduate lab courses offered within the department of Physics and Astronomy

Instruct students with course curriculum and provide lab introductions.

Supervise laboratory sessions, answer students' questions, provide technical assistance to students.

Establish grading schemes, mark reports, prepare and mark laboratory examinations, prepare final course grades.

Create and maintain online learning resources associated with laboratory courses.

Co-ordinate curriculum with faculty members teaching related lecture courses.

Supervise graduate TAs assigned to teach in undergraduate lab courses

Meet with Grad TAs to review expectations and responsibilities and distribute course information and marking schemes

Monitor TA performance, grading results, and provide feedback and mentoring.

Performs the assembly, testing, dis-assembly and storage of undergraduate laboratory equipment.

Responsible for setting up and taking down equipment used in the undergraduate laboratories.

Maintains the stock of equipment through proper storage, upkeep, testing and repair regimens.

Oversees the care and maintenance of the physical facilities within the lab, including fixed permanent equipment, and scientific teaching equipment and apparatus.

Required Qualifications

Education

BSc in Physics, Astronomy or related field. MSc or PhD preferred

Experience

3-5 years' experience with physics and astronomy laboratory equipment and systems of equipment.

Experience with scientific computation, analysis and graphing software an asset.

Lecturing, mentoring and supervisory experience an asset

Technical writing skills is an asset

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

A broad knowledge of experimental physics

Proficiency with the operation and use of a very wide range of scientific measurement apparatus

Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills

Above average communication and presentation skills, in both oral and written formats when interacting with both internal and external contacts

Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Experience with LabView would be considered an asset


Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Metis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
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