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Assistant Lab Instructor Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Lab Instructor information

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.

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 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.

How much does an Assistant Lab Instructor make?

An Assistant Lab Instructor typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on the institution, location, and experience. They often assist with lab setup, supervision, and grading, and may require relevant coursework or certifications.

How to become an assistant lab instructor?

To become an assistant lab instructor, candidates typically need to have completed relevant coursework in the subject area and possess strong communication and organizational skills. Some positions require prior teaching or lab experience, and a bachelor's degree or higher is often preferred. Certification or training in safety procedures may also be beneficial.

Laboratory Instructor, Hardware Specialist

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, ON

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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:

2026-01305


Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Academic Delivery Support

Employment Type:

Permanent

Department:

Faculty of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Lab Instruction I

Hiring Range:

$72,523.53 - $90,654.42

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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

This is a Career Path position. The final level will be determined based on demonstrated skills and experience.
Anticipated hiring ranges:
USG 8: $72,523 - $90,654

USG 9: $78,959 - $98,699

USG 10: $85,980 - $107,475

USG 11: $93,878 - $117,348

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) undergraduate curriculum has two core programs and four interdisciplinary programs. Reporting to the Lab Director, Teaching (Lab Director) and to the theme area Supervisor/Laboratory Instructor (Supervisor), the Laboratory Instructor/Hardware Specialist (Lab Instructor) enhances student success through a positive learning environment and teaches undergraduate (undergrad) laboratory (lab) courses within the established scope and guidelines of the professional degree program.

These positions are responsible for laboratory course delivery and other academic responsibilities, and the technical operation and maintenance of the ECE undergraduate laboratory facilities in support of assigned lab courses. The Lab Instructor collaborates with course faculty for lecture-laboratory synchronization and works in conjunction with faculty members on lab content and development and design of any new experiments to be introduced into the undergraduate laboratory.

Key Accountabilities

Instruction of Students and Assessment of their Academic Performance

  • Prepares and teaches assigned undergrad lab courses.
  • Collaborates with faculty course instructors for lecture-laboratory synchronization.
  • Monitors students' laboratory progress by assessing reports and lab assignments in the technical and theoretical aspects of the subject matter.
  • Ensures academic integrity is maintained in the laboratories.
  • Marks student work term reports.
  • Assists students on an individual or group basis with lab and related assignments/problems.
  • Evaluates student technical presentations and symposium poster marking.
  • Supervises/consults/advises/marks fourth year student design projects.
  • Develops experiments and writes laboratory materials/manuals in conjunction with faculty.
  • Recommends and/or makes necessary changes in materials, techniques or procedures to optimize the value of the lab exercise.
  • Plans new labs, conducts and evaluates prototype labs.
  • Keeps course content and resources current.
  • Supervises Teaching Assistants who Oversee Students performing the Experiments and Exercises
  • Ensures the effective utilization and development of TAs who assist with undergrad laboratories from term-to-term on a changing basis.
  • Directs laboratory TAs through the academic term cycle: assigning duties, coordinating their laboratory activities, etc.
  • Provides new teaching assistants with training in lab equipment procedures and/or theory, and instruction on experiments and design exercises before each term's laboratory sessions begin.
  • Participates in TA interviewing, ranking, and rating their performance.
  • Mentors new or sessional staff in area of expertise.
  • Trains other Laboratory Instructors in the use of specialized hardware or software, as required.

Lab Maintenance

  • Monitors and updates the laboratory equipment inventory.
  • Monitors performance to ensure adequate quality control and arranges maintenance of technical equipment.
  • Oversees teaching inventory, researches and recommends purchases.
  • Maintains the technical and safe operation of the assigned laboratories.
  • Recommends and implements approved upgrades and improvements to lab facilities and practices.

Other Duties

  • Attend lab planning and review sessions.
  • Participate in class prof/student rep meetings.
  • Trains for other specializations as required by the department.
  • Assist with other duties or special projects which may be assigned by the Lab Director or Supervisor.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience. MASc degree or relevant industrial experience is an asset.
  • Area of specialization should encompass the following area: Digital Circuits
  • Five years of experience managing lab operations.
  • Experience in working with different measurement instruments in the area of specialization is required.
  • Experience with hardware design procedures and software packages related to the area of specialization.
  • Experience in running labs, troubleshooting electrical circuits; software; and equipment, giving tutorials/lectures and demonstrations, writing and updating lab manuals, developing new labs, marking reports, and evaluating technical presentations is strongly preferred.
  • Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in labs or a similar environment is a strong asset.
  • Experience in purchasing hardware and software in the area of specialization is an asset.
  • Previous teaching experience is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of computer interfacing with measurements instrumentation is required.
  • Proven aptitude for teaching and a demonstrated interest in working with undergraduate students.
  • Well-developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring safety of students and staff in the lab.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills are essential.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team within a busy and dynamic environment.
  • Approachability, consistency, and the ability to motivate and earn students' trust.
  • Self-motivation in taking initiatives to improve the quality of labs, teaching, and working environment is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to specify, evaluate, install, test and service the required hardware for labs is required.
  • Willingness to train for other specializations as required by the department.
  • Broad knowledge of current computer hardware and software applications used in an undergraduate computer or electrical engineering environment.
  • Intermediate proficiency with Databases.
  • Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Intermediate proficiency with SharePoint, FileMakerPro, or Oracle.

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.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources athrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.