City : Waterloo, ON

Category : Permanent

Industry : Education

Employer : University of Waterloo

The Manager, Centre for Intelligent Antenna & Radio Systems (CIARS) Facility is responsible for the day-to-day facility operations, including supervision and training of laboratory technical and research staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.  The role will ensure optimal and safe operation of the following four research laboratory areas: Microwave Laboratory, Terahertz Laboratory, Electromagnetic Radiation Laboratory, and Rapid Prototyping Laboratory.

Research Support and Laboratory Operations:

• Oversees the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all laboratory equipment, ensuring functionality and user safety
• Manages user access records, equipment manuals, and the installation of new equipment and facilities
• Develops and implements a system for efficient equipment usage, scheduling, and tracking
• Provides technical support for research projects (internal and industrial users) and assists with special projects
• Collaborates with faculty and users on research needs and schedules instrument usage for optimal resource allocation
• Maintains inventory of supplies specific to each lab and sources equipment and materials as needed
• Develops and enforces equipment operating procedures based on best practices and safety protocols
• Oversees proper waste disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials
• Coordinates lab finances, in collaboration, with the departmental Financial Coordinators
• Identifies and recommends facility upgrades, obtains cost estimates, and implements approved improvements
• Ensures cost-effective lab operation by balancing expenses with user charges
• Monitors daily lab needs for consumables, spare parts, and equipment maintenance
• Sources major assets for laboratory upgrades and expansion

Health & Safety:

• Enforces Health & Safety guidelines, provides safety training to users, and conducts regular checks
• Develops and maintains lab safety operating procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
• Maintains accurate user training records and establishes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safe equipment use
• Evaluates new chemicals/materials and equipment for risk management

Training & Supervision:

• Instructs users on equipment operation, testing/assembly/fabrication techniques, and best practices
• Ensures user adherence to established procedures and develops training materials (videos, manuals, etc.)
• Supervises lab users and provides technical support to current and potential collaborators

Other Duties:

• Manages the CIARS Lab website.
• Contributes technical sections of grant proposals related to lab and equipment
• Conducts facility tours for potential visitors, partners and collaborators
• Consults with external users on future projects
• Attends relevant technical meetings or conferences to stay updated on advancements
• Assists with additional duties or special projects assigned by the Director, CIARS

• Master’s Degree or higher in an Applied Science field is preferred. A bachelor’s degree with a combination of education and experience may be considered
• 3+ years of experience in a research and development environment
• Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in the labs or a similar environment is required
• Must have a thorough knowledge of complex lab operations
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to ensure smooth functioning of lab
• Intermediate computer skills and proficiency in software applications used in an office/lab setting, including Word and Excel
• Demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality customer service interactions with faculty, staff, and students
• Proven aptitude for meticulous attention to detail
• Demonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to ask probing questions and anticipate customer needs
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple demands with competing deadlines
• Supervisory and leadership experience in a lab setting would be considered a strong asset

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 co-ordinated 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, Métis 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 at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.