Lab and Academic Coordinator-Michigan Technological University

Job Description

Job Title: Lab and Academic Coordinator

Company: Michigan Technological University

Location: Houghton, MI

Pay: $70000 per year

AI Pay Analysis: An annual salary of $70,000 translates to an hourly rate of approximately $33.65, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek. For a “Lab and Academic Coordinator” in Houghton, MI, this compensation is competitive, particularly considering the area’s cost of living and the typical salary range for similar roles in academia and research settings, which generally falls between $45,000 to $80,000 annually. Factors such as the specific responsibilities of the role, required qualifications, and local job market conditions also play a crucial role in determining competitiveness. Overall, this salary appears to align well with industry standards for similar positions in both academia and research.

Job description:

Department: Materials Science and Engineering

Summary
This position encompasses a variety of responsibilities, serving as the primary undergraduate academic advisor while also engaging in teaching, managing undergraduate laboratories, assisting faculty with online course development, and participating in outreach and recruitment initiatives.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Undergraduate Academic Advising

   • Coordinate and lead departmental academic and developmental advising initiatives.
   • Establish and maintain a regular schedule and processes to ensure students are on track towards timely degree completion.
   • Develop and/or update effective online tools (e.g., check sheets, curriculum and prerequisite flow sheets) to aid students in their program planning.
   • Collaborate with the Department Chair to organize regular advising sessions prior to course registration.
   • Act as the MSE contact within the College of Engineering and university advising networks.
   • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of available university academic and personal counseling resources.
   • Ensure undergraduate students contemplating graduate studies at Michigan Tech are informed about relevant forms, procedures, and deadlines pertaining to Accelerated MS degrees and applicable “Senior Rule” courses.

2. Undergraduate Laboratory Support and Supervision

   • Collaborate with the Department Chair and technical staff to manage primary undergraduate laboratories, particularly the metallography lab and others as assigned.
   • Ensure a safe and effective working environment in the laboratories.
   • Maintain equipment, enforce housekeeping standards, establish efficient layouts, and improve laboratory capabilities.
   • Develop protocols for student laboratory training, safety, and conduct.
   • Manage inventory, supplies, and usage charges to maintain a sustainable laboratory environment.

3. Curriculum Support

   • Assist faculty with the planning, preparation, and delivery of laboratory coursework, primarily serving as the instructor for undergraduate sections focused on characterization.
   • Fill in as the primary instructor for departmental courses and/or deliver guest lectures as needed.
   • Support faculty in creating high-quality content for asynchronous online graduate courses.
   • Participate on the Undergraduate Curriculum and Assessment Committee, contributing to ongoing curriculum assessment and continuous improvement efforts.
   • Aid the department Chair and curriculum committee in maintaining documentation for accreditation activities and preparing self-study reports.
   • Administer the curriculum proposal process in collaboration with the department chair.

4. Outreach Activities

   • Act as a liaison and host for prospective student inquiries and visits.
   • Coordinate departmental activities for ASM Materials Camp.
   • Lead departmental open houses, expos, and events in support of university outreach and recruitment initiatives.
   • Organize K-12 departmental visits and liaise with local school districts as necessary.
   • Assist with the MSE Summer Youth Program and related initiatives.
   • Participate in summer advising sessions for incoming first-year students as necessary.
   • Serve on the Department Recruiting and Retention Committee.

5. Additional Duties

   • Implement safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices in daily responsibilities.
   • Perform other duties as assigned.

6. Qualifications

   • Required Education: Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
   • Required Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in an industry or academic position related to Materials Science and Engineering.

7. Desirable Qualifications

   • Experience advising undergraduate students.
   • Teaching experience in lab or lecture courses.
   • Experience managing materials science and engineering laboratories.
   • Familiarity with advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly scanning electron microscopy.
   • Experience in developing online course content.
   • Background in outreach and recruitment activities aimed at high school students.

8. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

   • Ability to effectively interact with diverse undergraduate students in an advisory capacity.
   • Comprehensive knowledge of structure-property-processing relationships and common experimental techniques in materials science.
   • Proficiency in maintaining a safe teaching laboratory environment and in educating students on fundamental MSE principles.
   • Strong presentation skills for effectively communicating with students, faculty, and the public.
   • Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management abilities.
9. Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
   • Proven ability to create high-quality online course materials.
   • Experience collaborating with faculty to develop course content for lectures and laboratories.
   • Demonstrated success in recruitment initiatives, such as summer youth programs.
   • Potential for future contributions to working with a diverse range of individuals and viewpoints.

Work Environment
The characteristics of the work environment described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The noise level in the work environment is generally low to moderate.

Training and Employment Conditions
All employees at Michigan Technological University must complete the following required training:

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check
Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Employment Eligibility
Candidates must ensure they are eligible to work in the United States as a citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work without employer sponsorship on or before the effective date of appointment.

Equal Opportunity Employment
Michigan Technological University is dedicated to providing equal opportunity for all, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Should you require assistance during the hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [email protected].

Application Details
This position is open to current Michigan Technological University employees only.

Job Posting Date: Fri, 16 May 2025 03:03:07 GMT

Apply now!