The University of Guelph is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, supports diversity in its teaching, learning and work environments, and ensures that applications for members of underrepresented groups are seriously considered under its employment equity policy. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our University community are encouraged to apply.  

Professional and Managerial Group

Science Learning Specialist

Learning Services, Learning & Curriculum Support, Library

Hiring #: 2014-0162

Please read the Application Instructions before applying

Learning Services is part of the Library’s Learning and Curriculum Support department and a partner in the Learning Commons, a collaborative endeavour created to support student learning, writing, numeracy, library research, and use of technology.  Within this context, Learning Services provides leadership for the enhancement of student learning, academic performance, and retention at the University of Guelph.  

Reporting to the Manager, Learning Services, the Science Learning Specialist is a senior staff member in a collegial and team-based work environment with a learner-centred focus. The incumbent plays a key role in providing support to both science students and science faculty to enhance student learning at the course and curriculum levels. The incumbent is also responsible for co-ordinating and delivering instructional services for graduate and undergraduate students in the sciences, including discipline-specific workshops at the request of faculty, while maintaining an accurate and current knowledge related to university-level learning in the sciences and a range of learning issues.

Specific duties include:

• Conduct assessments and analyses of learning needs and research, design, teach, and assess instructional programming for undergraduates, graduate students, and special student populations
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate academic skill development into courses and curricula and with staff to address the specific needs of various student cohorts
• Provide individual consultation for undergraduate and graduate students on learning and academic performance issues
• Supervise staff, students, and co-ordinate programs and services as assigned
• Contribute to committees and collaborative projects with a range of campus partners
• Participate in the unit’s program of planning, assessment, research, scholarship, and publication
• Serve as a campus resource for learning issues in the sciences.

Requirements of this position include:

• Master’s degree in science, with preference given to the life sciences
• Master’s degree in higher education, counselling, or educational psychology preferred
• A minimum of two years of experience providing learning support to students and/or faculty at the university level, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Current knowledge of the professional literature on a broad range of issues, theories, and best practices related to university-level learning, retention, and academic performance, including learning strategies in the sciences
• Superior teaching, presenting, communication, counselling, interpersonal, and team-work skills
• Experience creating and presenting scientific posters
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines
• High level of competence with standard office software applications
• Advanced knowledge of group dynamics and conflict resolution processes
• Knowledge of research methods and data analysis
• Experience in the following would be considered an asset: as a student para-professional, TA, or instructor in an academic environment; supervising students in para-professional helping roles in an academic environment; delivering support services for specific student cohorts with specialized needs, such as student athletes, students in residence, or students at academic risk

Position Number    400-173
Classification        P04
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

Posting Date: 2014 07 18    
Closing Date: 2014 07 25