Research Assistant (Chemistry)

at  IISD

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is the world’s freshwater laboratory. A series of 58 lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada, IISD-ELA is the only place in the world where scientists can research on and manipulate real lakes to build a more accurate and complete picture of what human activity is doing to freshwater lakes. The findings from over 50 years of ground-breaking research have rewritten environmental policy around the world—from mitigating algal blooms to reducing how much mercury gets into our waterways—and aim to keep fresh water clean around the world for generations to come.
IISD-ELA is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg situated on Treaty 1 Territory—the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininiw (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe Cree), Dene, and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation. The IISD-ELA field station is situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 3 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Obtained or working on a degree from a recognized university in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or another related field.
• Experience with and knowledge of methods for the analysis of nutrients, ions, and other aquatic analytes found in fresh waters.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and software.
• Experience collecting or working with water chemistry data from lakes and streams.
• Experience working in an analytical laboratory using QA/QC protocols, standard operating procedures, and method validation procedures.
• Proficiency with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Access, Excel, R, etc.).
• Knowledge of safety issues and procedures used in an analytical laboratory.
• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain equipment and instrumentation in good working order and troubleshoot non-conforming performance.
• Ability to organize the laboratory workload.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Must be willing to work long hours in diverse weather conditions.
• Must be willing to live in shared accommodations and to share cooking responsibilities with co-workers as required.
• Candidates must possess or be willing to obtain valid certifications for the following prior to the start of their term:
• First Aid/CPR with AED
• Pleasure Craft Operator’s card
• Driver’s licence
• IISD-ELA will require the completion of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector verification.

ASSET SKILLS

• Experience with laboratory information management systems.
• Experience supervising assistants, delegating tasks, and ensuring the quality and integrity of data.
• Experience operating small, motorized vessels with an outboard motor.
• Valid ATV certification.
• Ability to speak French and/or Ojibwe.

• Assisting with the analysis of samples from IISD-ELA lakes and streams, including
• Preparing and analyzing samples for nutrients, ions, and other aquatic analytes using auto analyzers, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, chromatographs, and various analytical devices
• Entering data into databases (LIMS, Microsoft Excel, Access, etc.)
• Assisting with the collection of samples in the field
• Performing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols to ensure the quality of IISD-ELA data.
• Communicating and interacting with IISD-ELA staff, collaborators, and the public to provide specific advice and general education about environmental issues.
• Other duties as assigned.