demonstratorincharge

Demonstrator in Charge, often abbreviated as DIC, is a supervisory role found in many higher education departments, particularly in the sciences and engineering. The DIC is the person responsible for planning, delivering, and supervising practical demonstrations and laboratory sessions, ensuring that activities run smoothly and safely for students.

The core duties of a DIC include coordinating a team of demonstrators, scheduling sessions, and ensuring that demonstrations align with the curriculum. The DIC plans demonstrations, prepares or oversees equipment and materials, and maintains stock levels. They are also responsible for safety compliance, risk assessment, and the proper handling and storage of hazardous materials. During sessions, the DIC may lead demonstrations, supervise demonstrators, answer student questions, and provide feedback to instructors on student understanding and logistics. Post-session duties often involve equipment maintenance, recording attendance, and reporting any incidents or equipment failures.

Qualifications and appointment for a DIC typically require subject matter knowledge, prior experience as a demonstrator or teaching assistant, and formal safety training. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to manage a diverse team of staff and students. The appointment can be fixed-term, per term or academic year, and may be compensated as part-time staff or a graduate teaching role, depending on the institution.

Variations exist across institutions. Some places formalize the DIC role with specific responsibilities and authority, while others view it as a leadership position within the demonstrator cohort. The exact duties and title can differ, but the overarching goal is to ensure safe, effective, and educational lab experiences for students.