Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 37.5
Salary Grade: Technical Level 7
Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, 1-year, temporary full-time contract opportunity with an expected end date of June 30, 2021.
About Western
With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.
About Us
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is one of four departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience.
RESTORE (Research for Subsurface Transport and Remediation) conducts innovative research aimed at addressing the sustainable management of our water resources through the development of engineering technologies in addition to enhancing understanding of natural hydrogeologic systems. Key research areas include soil and groundwater contamination and remediation, surface-groundwater interactions and green roof technology. RESTORE combines state-of-the-art laboratories, field research, advanced computer modeling, and commercialization with national and international collaborations, and strong industrial partnerships to achieve research excellence.
Responsibilities
The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to research projects under the direction of a Principal Investigator, and will carry out independent research to assist RESTORE researchers in the technical support, troubleshooting and servicing of experimental equipment to assist in achieving their research outcomes. The incumbent will play a role in providing mentorship and training to graduate students and in resolving issues that arise in the research environment. The incumbent will support and operationalize new and innovative research opportunities as requested, collaborate in the development of industrial research contracts, develop research and project plans, and design, build and run experiments. The Research Associate will evaluate and interpret experimental results, develop models or correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.
Qualifications
Education:
– Master’s of Engineering Science in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering
Experience:
– 3 years’ of practical experience working in an environmental laboratory, including hands-on experience in the synthesis of sulfidized nanoscale zero valent iron (S-nZVI) as well as the degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons using nZVI
– Experience in the application of electrokinetics for contaminated site remediation
– Experience working with industrial partners would be an asset
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
– In-depth knowledge and understanding of the chemistry of surfaces
– Knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and its requirements with an ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
– Ability to use a wide range of analytical equipment, including Gas Chromatography
– Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
– In-depth knowledge with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
– Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
– Communication and presentation skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users and to complete detailed analytics and reports
– Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
– Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
– Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
– Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
– Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the research group’s events and activities
– Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
– Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
– Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
– Ability to interpret and identify key results from research and to succinctly summarize research findings
– Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve research goals
– Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
– Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes
– Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems
– Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or phone 519-661-2194.
Please Note:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be acknowledged.
