Laboratory Officer – Computer

Job Purpose:
To manage and support the efficient operation of the computer laboratory by maintaining hardware/software systems, supporting instructional activities, and enabling a safe, accessible, and technologically advanced learning environment for students and faculty. The role also involves contributing to digital learning innovation and participating in institutional development initiatives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Maintain and prepare the lab(s), and ensure that all equipment is properly functioning and ready for use.
• Install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and maintain software/hardware and other lab devices each semester and/or when necessary, as well as ensure compliance with license agreements and copyright legislation when using licensed software.
• Prepare the lab beforehand for lectures, demonstrations, workshops, etc. as well as support faculty members in developing new experiments and student projects to support student development.
• Support faculty with digital lab content, simulations, or interactive coding environments.
• Assist in integrating new learning technologies, such as remote lab access or educational software.
• Maintain log of issues, usage, and user feedback for continuous improvement.
• Provide training sessions or induction workshops for students on lab usage and digital tools. Provide technical support to lab users and assist in lab hardware/software usage as well as the use of the various lab facilities and devices. As well as oversee and supervise students whilst at the computer labs.
• Maintain and update laboratory inventory by ordering laboratory equipment and consumables as per required specifications.
• Manage and supervise lab facilities by making sure that the equipment and machines are in good working order and recommends improvements as appropriate to maintain standards of accuracy and reliability.
• Ensure and reinforce follow through of safety standards and protocols in the laboratory, and implement safety training for both faculty and students.
• Participate in improving existing laboratory facilities and in preparing future laboratory facilities for the college/department, as well as manage lab equipment and supplies to ensure the lab is fully operational.
• Update and upgrade the college website page using MS-SharePoint Software when required.
• Coordinate with the college/department administration in arranging appropriate schedules in order to conduct weekly classes.
• Oversee the cleanliness and tidiness of the Laboratory at all times.
• Participate in invigilating student examinations, co-instructing practical sessions, and help mark exams when required.
• Complete any other job-related tasks as assigned by line manager within the expected time limit.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

Operational Plans:
• Participate in developing the department/college’s operational and business plans, and contribute in its execution, in line with the department/college’s strategy in order to support the achievement of the University’s strategic objectives.
Continuous Improvement:
• Provide input to enhance the processes and procedures that help implement the relevant best practices.
• Follow all relevant processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions accurately to ensure that job tasks are carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
Systems, Processes and Reports:
• Generate relevant reports and ensure that they are prepared timely and accurately and meet the department’s requirements and standards.
• Operate the required software/hardware accurately and effectively.

Key Interactions:

Internal:
• Students.
• Academic and non-academic staff members.
• Executive departments (Procurement, Facilities, etc.)
External:
• Maintenance companies.
• Supply/service providers.

Required Qualification & Experience:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science, or any related discipline.
• 2-4 years of UAE experience in similar role preferably in higher education institutions.
• Priority is to UAE Nationals.

Required Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to prepare professional documents, in both Arabic and English.
• Good laboratory management including knowledge of basic lab principles and applications as well as methods, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of operating the required software/hardware.
• Able to understand the meaning of common error messages and explain them to users in simple language.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and produce reports under strict guidelines.
• High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
• Use technical knowledge to help and assist users overcome any difficulties.
• Flexibility and ability to function effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent proficiency in LMS (e.g., Blackboard), cloud platforms (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive), and IT security basics.