Teaching Lab Specialist III

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Job Description:

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Iowa State University is seeking a skilled and innovative professional to support the design fabrication instruction and operation of departmental laboratories and maker spaces. This role plays a critical part in advancing teaching research and student experiential learning by providing technical expertise maintaining state-of-the-art equipment and collaborating directly with faculty staff and students. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on skills a commitment to safety and a passion for supporting engineering education.

Key Responsibilities

• Design fabricate and assemble projects and equipment for the Mechanical Engineering Department and fee-for-service projects.

• Manage laboratory and manufacturing equipment to ensure proper functionality safety and availability.

• Collaborate with faculty graduate students and undergraduate students on teaching and research projects.

• Provide technical and instructional support for core Mechanical Engineering classes and related research activities.

• Design maintain and improve laboratory testing procedures experimental setups and equipment to support core learning outcomes.

• Prepare and set up laboratory spaces equipment and classrooms for instruction and demonstrations.

• Administer laboratory instruction and enforce safety protocols.

• Instruct and train faculty staff and students (graduate and undergraduate) on safe operation of machinery manufacturing equipment and specialized software.

• Advise and support student groups (e.g. SAE First Robotics Formula) on manufacturability safe machining practices and project planning.

• Order and manage materials equipment and consumables for Mechanical Engineering courses.

• Identify research and procure equipment or upgrades that improve safety and laboratory operations.

• Showcase facilities and student projects to visiting industry partners to encourage sponsorship and engagement.

• Assist with outreach activities including planning and providing demonstrations in laboratory spaces.

About the Department

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University is home to the universitys first awarded diploma and continues to be its most popular major. Internationally recognized for leadership in clean energy advanced manufacturing design innovation and cutting-edge simulation the department works closely with industry and federal partners to push the boundaries of engineering. What truly defines our department is our cultureone that celebrates curiosity hands-on experimentation creativity and discovery. Faculty staff and students collaborate in an environment driven by innovation and impact. Joining our team means becoming part of a community dedicated not only to educating future engineers but to shaping problem-solvers and innovators poised to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Example of Duties
Evaluates purchases and maintains equipment and supplies for a lab program.
Manages the operation and maintenance of lab equipment.
Sets up labs to accommodate large amounts of students.
Administers safety protocols.
Leads lab courses and acts as instructor.
Develops new models for lab work and designs lab courses.
Maintains and develops budget.
Identifies and purchases necessary materials for lab coursework and operations.
Instructs trains and evaluates staff graduate assistants and student workers.

Level Guidelines
Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISUs mission and department or work unit goals
Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
Responds to complicated inquiries provides training and provides direction to lower-level staff
May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e. leads a small work team)
May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
Provides guidance to students

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Application Instructions:

To apply for this position please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process please email or call or Toll Free: 1-.

Why Choose ISU

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

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