Description
The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Technician. This Part-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 17 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position’s work involves performing technical protocols in an environmental microbiology laboratory that are based on outlined procedures and guidelines and in collaboration with other research team members. The Technician will report to the Principal Investigator. The Technician will support a specific research project funded by NSERC in collaboration with another institute (NAIT) to investigate the biodegradation/biostability of polymers used for waste management. The position is part-time (half-time).
Results obtained from this work will contribute to progress reports and presentations related to the funded project. The work occurs in a team setting, which means that there is constant activity and interruptions can occur.
There may be a small amount of extra time required, such as 1 day per month, when samples are received from the field that need to be processed quickly in order to completed analysis within a specified time period. Travel to collaborator’s facility (NAIT) will be required at least once in the project to help train project members.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Able to effectively manage time to complete project work/objectives and contribute to research teams to meet bi-annual project reviews
• Presenting specialized technical information and research results to research team and industry partners
• Make any procedural recommendations that would be beneficial to the project work
• Responsible to maintain established procedures of research group
• Analyze samples according to established analytical protocols on the GC, HPLC, rheometer
• Establish and maintain anaerobic enrichment cultures under varied incubation conditions
• Observe and record results from analysis
• Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data
• Meet with supervisor bi-weekly to review data
• Perform manual activities

• Help to maintain lab equipmentPresent research reports to project team, including collaborators, and give lab presentations

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc.
• Although a B.Sc. would be sufficient, the work involves specialized analytical skills (work with HPLC, GC), microbiological/molecular biological analysis of environmental samples, skills in anaerobic culturing, and experience in working with polymers/viscosity measurements. Additional education and training would be beneficial (e.g. M.Sc. or undergraduate research training).

• Able to effectively manage time to complete project work/objectives and contribute to research teams to meet bi-annual project reviews
• Presenting specialized technical information and research results to research team and industry partners
• Make any procedural recommendations that would be beneficial to the project work
• Responsible to maintain established procedures of research group
• Analyze samples according to established analytical protocols on the GC, HPLC, rheometer
• Establish and maintain anaerobic enrichment cultures under varied incubation conditions
• Observe and record results from analysis
• Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data
• Meet with supervisor bi-weekly to review data
• Perform manual activities
• Help to maintain lab equipmentPresent research reports to project team, including collaborators, and give lab presentation