The University of Detroit Mercy’s Simulation Technology and Research (STAR) Center, located within the College of Health Professions, invites applications for a full-time staff position. This full-time position seeks a highly motivated educator to enhance students’ learning experience through hands-on, simulated activities that promote consistent, positive outcomes.

The Simulation Instructor/Lab Coordinator conducts needs assessments, collaborates with faculty to recommend simulation experiences, and designs simulation experiences for students across multidisciplinary programs. This Instructor position is vital to the STAR Center’s mission of improving health and patient safety through simulation-based programs that maximize the abilities of individuals, teams, and systems. The role is ideal for individuals with medical knowledge and a technical interest who are keen to contribute to healthcare education through simulation.

The ideal candidate will work with an interprofessional teaching team comprising part-time and full-time faculty and other stakeholders, depending on the level of expertise required to meet the simulation’s learning outcomes.

Compensation is based on the role’s level and requirements and is determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Facilitation

• Manages and evaluates the facilitation process of simulation experiences on Blackboard and in the STAR Center.
• Oversees scenario pre-learning, pre-briefing, debriefing, student reflections, and learner evaluation data.
• Ensures simulation experiences align with didactic course objectives and program outcomes.
• Provides feedback to learners to promote reflective practice, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills.

Simulation Operations & Equipment Management

• Collaborates with the simulation technician to develop instructional materials for the setup and use of task trainers, manikins, and other simulation equipment.
• Maintains awareness of scheduling, availability, and functionality of physical and technical resources for simulation activities.
• Supports safe and realistic learning environments that align with best practices in healthcare simulation.

Curriculum Design & Faculty Collaboration

• Collaborates with faculty to develop simulation scenarios that promote student learning, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making aligned with course objectives.
• Uses evidence-based simulation models to design, implement, evaluate, and standardize faculty/staff development programs in simulation-based teaching, debriefing, and assessment.
• Supports the integration of simulation into the nursing and interprofessional curricula, ensuring alignment with IPEC core competencies and program outcomes.

Policy Development & Quality Improvement

• Assists in the development and revision of policies, procedures, and documentation related to simulation operations, safety, and educational standards.
• Ensures simulation practices adhere to INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation? and institutional policies.
• Recommends procedural improvements based on data trends, evaluations, and emerging best practices

Program Evaluation, Accreditation & Research

• Assists the Director of Simulation and IPE with data collection, organization, and reporting required for simulation accreditation (e.g., SSH).
• Participates in the evaluation and continuous improvement of the simulation program, including scenario effectiveness, learner satisfaction, and institutional alignment.
• Contributes to research activities, quality improvement projects, and dissemination of simulation outcomes through presentations or scholarly publications.

Professional Development & Outreach

• Maintains current knowledge of best practices, emerging technologies, and standards in simulation-based education.
• Participates in STAR Center events such as open house, orientation, simulation week, and accepted student day.
• Leads tours and educational demonstrations for internal and external audiences to promote the STAR Center’s mission and community partnerships.

Lab Coordinator Responsibilities

Operational Leadership of Nursing Skills Lab

• Provide day-to-day operational oversight of the nursing skills laboratory.
• Ensure laboratory readiness, safety, and organization to support student learning.

Staff Supervision & Support

• Hire, orient, and train lab assistants for open labs.
• Develop lab assistant schedules to meet instructional needs.

Inventory & Equipment Management

• Oversee inventory, ordering, and restocking of supplies and equipment.
• Sets up and dismantles skills activities, ensuring all equipment, manikins, and supplies are operational and available.
• Coordinate maintenance and repair of lab equipment and task trainers.
• Ensure cleanliness and proper storage of lab materials.
• Monitor budget allocation related to lab supplies.

Clinical Absence Oversight

• Monitor and track clinical absences in accordance with program policy.
• Communicate with faculty and students regarding absence documentation.
• Coordinate make-up lab experiences with clinical leadership team.
• Maintain accurate records for compliance and accreditation

Minimum Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Employment – 3 years of experience working in a clinical healthcare role or field. (Equivalent combination of education and employment)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Experience in patient simulation and nursing lab

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Licenses/Certifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current State of Michigan Registered Nurse (RN) License
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) Certification

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

Monday to Friday 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM.