Instructional Lab Manager, ME and ISE
The Instructional Lab Manager will be responsible for managing the operational, instructional, and administrative activities in teaching laboratories in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), including the Engineering Manufacturing Lab, the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, and the Control, Automation, and Robotics (CAR) Lab, and the Design for Manufacturing Lab.
This position reports to the Department Executive Officer (DEO) of the Mechanical Engineering department. The Lab Manager will work with faculty and staff to place and receive orders for the teaching labs, maintain and oversee repair of equipment, and ensure safety compliance of all individuals utilizing the labs. The Lab Manager will supervise and monitor the Teaching Assistants (TAs) assigned to teach the lab sections and will work closely with the faculty instructing the course(s) in terms of the design, modification, and progress of laboratory sections. This includes scheduling weekly planning meetings with TAs, setting up laboratory materials and equipment for labs, training of TAs, development and testing of new laboratory exercises, and revisions of laboratory activities.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks
- Responsible for managing the operational, instructional, and administrative activities in laboratory teaching programs, serving students, coordinating the preparation of teaching laboratories in the ME and ISE departments.
- Assist in student recruiting by giving brief, informational tours of the teaching labs to prospective and accepted students and their parents.
- Provide instruction in laboratory courses. Supervise undergraduate/graduate student TAs to ensure compliance with university/department laboratory safety standards, including the compliance requirements from the Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHS).
- Develop, manage, and provide instructional support to all students using the labs.
- Order supplies and maintain equipment necessary for teaching laboratories.
- Create and maintain an inventory of lab materials and equipment.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for all teaching-lab-related issues, including mediation and resolution of problems, as needed.
- Work closely with faculty members, advisors, and other student service offices to address the individual needs of all students and facilitate student success.
- Coordinate all aspects of daily operations, including meetings with teaching assistants; placement, receipt, and cataloging of orders; and determination of equipment purchase priorities.
- Supervise students and TAs while in the lab.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
About the College of Engineering
The College of Engineering is one of 12 colleges at the University of Iowa, a premier public research university offering internationally recognized programs in disciplines ranging from otolaryngology to fiction writing, printmaking to space science, hydraulic engineering to dance. Iowa draws students from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
The College of Engineering is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are producing knowledge to address grand challenges around advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment. Our graduates are ethical, globally aware citizens whose work while at the University of Iowa and throughout their careers make the world safer and our use of resources more efficient. As a center of innovation and discovery, the people who make up the College of Engineering are undoubtedly improving quality of life for our Iowa community as well as for people across the United States and around the world. Beyond playing an integral role in the college’s mission, College of Engineering employees are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance.
Education Requirement
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education (such as an associate degree) and experience.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 year of teaching experience or closely related experience.
- Minimum of 1 year of mechatronics/robotics experience or closely related field experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of manufacturing experience.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing effectively with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented service and support work environment.
- Must have flexibility in working hours; some evening and weekend work is required, but not often.
- Demonstrated job-related experience with promoting inclusion in the work/academic environment.
Desired Qualifications
- A Master’s and/or PhD degree in Engineering is desirable.
- Working experience with laboratory safety protocols.
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
Regular salaried position. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
