Overview
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.
Responsibilities
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 checksDevelops and maintains lab safety operating procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable regulationsMaintains accurate user training records and establishes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safe equipment useEvaluates new chemicals / materials and equipment for risk managementTraining & Supervision :
Instructs users on equipment operation, testing / assembly / fabrication techniques, and best practicesEnsures user adherence to established procedures and develops training materials (videos, manuals,Supervises lab users and provides technical support to current and potential collaboratorsOther Duties :
Manages the CIARS Lab website.Contributes technical sections of grant proposals related to lab and equipmentConducts facility tours for potential visitors, partners and collaboratorsConsults with external users on future projectsAttends relevant technical meetings or conferences to stay updated on advancementsAssists with additional duties or special projects assigned by the Director, CIARSQualifications
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 considered3+ years of experience in a research and development environmentProven ability to maintain strict confidentialityExperience monitoring and enforcing safety in the labs or a similar environment is requiredMust have a thorough knowledge of complex lab operationsExcellent organizational and time management skills to ensure smooth functioning of labIntermediate computer skills and proficiency in software applications used in an office / lab setting, including Word and ExcelDemonstrated track record of delivering high-quality customer service interactions with faculty, staff, and studentsProven aptitude for meticulous attention to detailDemonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to ask probing questions and anticipate customer needsExcellent communication skills, both oral and writtenAbility to effectively prioritize multiple demands with competing deadlinesSupervisory and leadership experience in a lab setting would be considered a strong asset