Lab Specialist - Innovation Lab

Position Overview

The Lab Specialist role supports the delivery of the GENS 101 Grand Challenges course by offering technical expertise in mechatronics, robotics, embedded systems, rapid prototyping, and lab experimentation. This position includes mentoring student groups during project development, managing lab equipment, ensuring laboratory safety, and assisting faculty during studio sessions. The specialist enables students to design, build, test, and debug engineering prototypes, fostering independent learning and creativity.

Key Duties

• Guide students technically on projects involving robotics, embedded systems, sensors, electronics, and automation.
• Help students with prototype design, fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and system integration tasks.
• Support experimental setups, including data acquisition, calibration, and result interpretation.
• Mentor students in applying the Engineering Design Process and Scientific Method while encouraging independent work.
• Prepare laboratories and equipment ahead of teaching activities to ensure readiness.
• Maintain, calibrate, and fix laboratory devices and fabrication machines.
• Manage lab inventory, supplies, and schedule equipment maintenance.
• Ensure laboratory safety compliance and deliver equipment usage training to students.
• Assist instructors during studio sessions and demonstrations.
• Contribute to the development and testing of new lab activities.
• Suggest enhancements for lab equipment and technical resources.

Qualifications and Technical Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science with relevant practical experience; Master's degree preferred.
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems such as Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or similar microcontrollers.
• Familiarity with robotics and automation components including sensors, actuators, motors, and motion controls.
• Competence in electronics: circuit prototyping, soldering, PCB assembly, electronic troubleshooting, and instrumentation.
• Mechanical design skills using CAD tools like SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar software.
• Experience with digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines.
• Programming knowledge in Arduino IDE, C/C++, and basic Python.
• Capabilities in sensor calibration and data acquisition.
• Preferred experience in university engineering labs, makerspaces, robotics, or project-based learning environments.

Core Competencies

• Proficient in English with IELTS 7+ or equivalent.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills to interact with diverse student teams.
• Highly organized with effective laboratory management abilities.
• Dedicated to safety, innovation, and continual lab improvement.

Desired Equipment Familiarity

• Arduino and embedded system development kits.
• Robotics platforms and electronic testing instruments such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies.
• Sensors and data acquisition systems.
• 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC routing equipment.
• Hand and power tools relevant to prototyping.