Lab Coordinator, Psychology

Wilfrid Laurier University•Brantford, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lab Co-ordinator is responsible for co-ordinating lab-based instruction in the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Psychology Program in the area of research design and statistics at the Brantford Campus. In consultation with course instructors, the incumbent develops and refines laboratory content, leads some labs, trains and supervises graduate student Teaching Assistants (TAs) (if applicable) who provide lab demonstration and instruction, is responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of these labs , and ensures that the labs contribute to the educational goals of the courses involved. The Lab Co-ordinator also conducts and supervises grading of regular written and web-based assignments. They consult with students during regularly scheduled office hours. The Lab Co-ordinator regularly revises and enhances the structure and content of labs and assignments. They assess the potential for more or new technology-based course enhancements, and makes recommendations to the faculty or the Program Coordinator concerning these enhancements.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Psychology or a related area
Well-developed knowledge in research ethics, research design and statistics
Proven ability to satisfy the hands-on educational needs of Psychology students in research design and statistics, including the ability to adapt instructional tools and lab materials to meet these needs
Pedagogical skill in optimizing the operation and educational value of formal Psychology labs
In-depth familiarity with use and interpretation of relevant computing packages, including SPSS, Sample Power 2; ability to evaluate new software as available, including Desire2Learn
Proven organization and multi-tasking skills; ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Proven ability to solve on-line practical and/or technical problems in lab settings
Well-developed team management, organizational, and leadership skills; strong interpersonal skills
Exceptional attention to detail
In-depth familiarity with current ethical standards and requirements for research involving human participants; ability to apply ethics standards to quantitative and qualitative individual research projects and make recommendations for appropriate change
Exceptional communication and presentation skills; ability to communicate credibly and persuasively with university personnel and members of the external public
Knowledge of psychological testing instruments and their application.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience strongly preferred
Teaching, training, and supervisory experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Designs labs for courses in Research Methods and Statistics (PS295, PS296); routinely reviews and updates lab content, assignments, and tests in consultation with the course instructor(s).
If applicable, trains and supervises graduate student TAs; reviews theory and background and other information relevant to lab content to ensure their preparation for in-lab work.
Provides laboratory instruction as required.
Oversees evaluation of student performance in the labs.
Ensures that equipment, including computers, is functioning for labs; arranges for repairs and maintenance as required.
Ensures software is available and functioning as required.
Works with Information Technology Services to ensure software updates are conveniently scheduled.
Audits course lectures periodically to ensure relevance of lab material and sequencing.
Evaluates lab quality and effectiveness; methods may include surveys.
Develops regular lab assignments to complement course content.
If applicable, trains and supervises graduate TAs in grading regular assignments to ensure fair and uniform grading practices.
Maintains records of grades on assignments.
If applicable, trains and supervises graduate TAs in tutoring students individually and in groups, as needed, during regularly scheduled office hours.
If applicable, trains and supervises graduate TAs in directing and supporting students in the development of professional work habits and efficient use of finite resources; pedagogical objectives include improving student skills in tackling problems, relating to working with peers, time management, choosing efficient learning techniques, and structured approaches.
If applicable, evaluates the performance of graduate TAs; evaluation tools may include an evaluation survey, provides feedback to graduate TAs.
Advises the course instructor(s) on opportunities for technological advances in the labs, including web-based learning opportunities; co-ordinates implementation of technology-based course improvements.