Technical Specialist

About Western

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none.  Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards.  Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application.  Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.  Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

About Us

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering is one of four Departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the Department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience.

Key Goals of the Unit:
The vision of the ECE department is to become known as one of the top five research intensive
Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering in Canada.
 

Responsibilities

The Technical Specialist will apply their expertise and knowledge to support all of the functions within a laboratory or research project.  The incumbent will be responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, modifying and/or manufacturing equipment to help achieve the desired innovative outcomes associated with the learning environment and/or research project.  The Technical Specialist will provide hands-on technical expertise to ensure timely and reliable support for students and/or researchers.

• Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, including University and government safety standards, by coordinating with the University Health & Safety office, conducting regular inspections, and proactively addressing safety concerns involving undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members
• Responsible to ensure that faculty and students have the required information, guidance, documentation and resources to achieve learning and research outcomes
• Assists with the technical aspects of seminars, lectures and tutorials
• Participates in the development of Standard Operating Procedures, and assists with the design and delivery of student labs as required 
• Ensures undergraduate laboratories have technical support both in terms of preparation and supervision
• Ensures laboratory teaching and research activities comply with best practices for safe operation in compliance with applicable regulatory bodies (e.g. CSA, OH&S, etc.)
• Provides oversight for Teaching Assistants (TAs), ensuring they are effectively assigned, trained, and evaluated to meet instructional and safety standards.
     - Responsible for the preliminary assignment of Teaching Assistants for laboratory courses, based on need and ability fork the Associate Chair (Undergraduate) for approval
     - Provides training to Teaching Assistants to ensure they understand each laboratory’s purpose and procedures, including safety protocols, and evaluates their ability to conduct the relevant laboratory exercises
 

Qualifications 

Education:
-   Undergraduate Degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant discipline
- Master's degree preferred

Experience:
-   2 years' working experience in a related academic environment

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:
-   Familiarity with University research policies and practices
-   Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act
-   Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
-   Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
-   Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate procedural documentation
-   Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and other applications or equipment used to support the laboratory or research project
-   Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
-   Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
-   Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
-   Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities
-   Ability to work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work
-   Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach others to meet high performance standards
-   Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
-   Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
-   Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
-   Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems

Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth.  Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre.  Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application.  In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications.  Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


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