Overview
The Research Biogeochemical Technician will provide specialized expertise for the coordination and execution of research projects and will perform and oversee field and laboratory research. They will work closely with graduate and undergraduate students, staff, and faculty of the Ecohydrology Research Group (ERG). The candidate will be responsible for the coordination of multiple research projects, alongside other ERG members, and will ensure that quality assurance procedures are followed in the field and lab, manage and organize meetings, and coordinate with external and internal researchers to monitor program progress. This job ensures that the objectives of the Ecohydrology research program are met by providing hands-on support and guidance to ongoing projects. They will be responsible for performing laboratory research, data analysis, report writing, and training field and lab users (undergraduate and graduate students).
Responsibilities
Management and maintenance of field and lab facilities
- Facilitate organization of field and lab spaces
- Maintain field and lab equipment as required
- Ensure that all laboratory users, including graduate, undergraduate and co-op students, visiting scholars, post-docs and others, have completed the required health and safety training as outlined on the UW safety office website
- Conduct health and safety inspections in the labs assigned associated with the Safety Office lab inspection program. This includes reporting of unsafe conditions/practices to supervisor, testing of the eyewash and emergency shower stations and inspection of first aid and spill kits
- Train undergraduate and graduate students on field sampling and field safety as well as lab safety protocols
- Order lab and field supplies and equipment and verify receipt of supplies and payment of invoices using Unit 4
- Teach field and laboratory users common techniques and the appropriate use of equipment as required by their research projects
Managing research projects and field/lab facilities, and conducting research
- Conduct research projects as directed by Principal Investigator
- Oversee adherence to Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Supports research data manager with ensuring data management plan is followed by undergraduate and graduate students and researchers
- Develop and implement operating protocols for field and laboratory instruments and experimental equipment (i.e., standard operating procedures, SOPs)
- Provide methodological and technical support for lab members during the planning, organization, and execution of research projects. This includes advising on methods and procedures, providing information and expertise, assisting with equipment and supplies acquisition, etc.
- Coordinate field sampling activities. This will involve contacting project partners to coordinate field site access and equipment installation, travel to the sites for sampling, operation and maintenance of field equipment, and coordination of field sample analyses and data collection and management
- Coordinate and oversee the execution of experimental studies (e.g., flow-through reactor, batch or column experiments) and associated laboratory analyses
- Assist with the hiring of undergraduate research assistants and co-op students as required. This would include preparing and conducting performance evaluations for co-op students, preparing job descriptions and interviewing for hiring co-op students
- Supervision of co-op students (2-4 per term) alongside other technicians
Project coordination
- Provide consultation and organize meetings with collaborating partners
- Organize meetings and coordinate with researchers in multiple collaborating institutions
- Present research results at conferences and meetings
- Participate in the preparation of journal manuscripts and conference presentations related to the research group’s projects and research projects of graduate students. This entails co-authorship as appropriate
- Present research results at national and international meetings
- Assist with budget and yearly reports for funding agency and institutional partner
Qualifications
- MSc degree in Environmental Science, Earth Science, Biology, or Chemistry
- Practical knowledge of a wide range of analytical techniques, including sample collection, handling and preparation
- 4+ years of experience performing field and laboratory research, including operation of state-of-the-art analytical technologies
- Demonstrated experience co-authoring journal articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience working with a diverse group of colleagues of varying backgrounds and experience levels
- Experience using the full MS Office suite, including data processing and management
- Problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of biogeochemistry and hydrology concepts
- Report and journal article writing and editing skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
