Lab Analyst

at  University of Alberta

Department Faculty of Science - Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Salary range $56040.79 - $76820.84
Hours per week 35
Grade 9
Posted date December 5, 2023
Closing date Will remain open until filled.
Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

DESCRIPTION

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position has a term length of 3 years and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.
Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Laboratory Analyst will develop and implement a Continuous Flow Analysis (CFA) system for ice core analysis. This will involve building, testing, and operating the system. The CFA consists of an upright freezer unit in which an ice core is positioned vertically over a melter head, with flow rate modulated by temperature. The ice core is melted slowly and resulting melt water is analyzed in line for conductivity and particle count before sub-sample fractions are collected by two fraction collectors (from the inner and outer melt head rings). This type of ice core analysis allows for high resolution fraction collection that is not easily achieved through manual ice core processing. Experience working with Campbell Scientific dataloggers, interface programs, as well as encoders and using them in developing automation, is required in this role. Once CFA development is complete, the analyst will operate the system to analyze ice cores from the Canadian Ice Core Lab (CICL)’s archive. In addition to CFA responsibilities, the analyst will be asked to support other research activities at CICL, including day-to-day laboratory and freezer operations, core processing lines, data interpretation, and reporting.
The position will be primarily responsible for developing and managing the CFA system and will report to CICL Director, Alison Criscitiello, on a daily basis and will be responsible for the day-to day safety and management issues in the CFA laboratory. The appointment is a technical support role, with a requirement to develop and operate the CFA, while also providing support to regular CICL laboratory operations as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of B.Sc. in a subject relevant to engineering, chemistry, or earth sciences laboratory-based work is required; A M.Sc. level qualification or higher (or equivalent experience) relevant to laboratory-based analytical work would be an asset
• Ice core CFA familiarity is required
• Competent using standard computer packages (e.g. Excel, Word, etc.)
• Able to organize own time and work unsupervised if necessary
• Experience working in a laboratory
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to work in small teams
• Ability to adapt and learn new instrumentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience working with encoders and using them in automation development
• Experience working with dataloggers and logging software
• Experience with basic laboratory equipment, including peristaltic pumps and fraction collector
  At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.
  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
  The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply

The Laboratory Analyst will be responsible for the Continuous Flow Analysis (CFA) system. This includes:

• Developing and building the CFA
• Liaising with external experts knowledgeable about CFA to best optimize our system
• Testing the CFA for function and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
• Collection and interpretation of data from CFA
• Developing standard operating procedure for CICL’s CFA
• Maintaining data quality assurance
• Developing standard operating procedure for CICL’s CFA
• Training other CICL staff and students in CFA operation
• Presenting progress and results of CFA development at CICL group meetings
• Participating in academic research activities involving the CFA

The Laboratory Analyst will assist in physical core processing lines (CPLs), as well as support any CICL laboratory and field operations as needed.