Research Assistant (Chemistry)

IISD•Kenora, ON

9d•CA$726 - CA$1,120•Onsite

About The Position

The IISD-ELA Chemistry Program provides chemical data on water samples to various research programs. Under the direction of the IISD-ELA Chemist, the Research Assistant will be responsible for assisting with the analysis of chemical constituents in aquatic samples from IISD-ELA. The Research Assistant will work with other technical staff at IISD-ELA to ensure that research and facility operations are conducted and completed efficiently.

Requirements

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 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 certificate, Pleasure Craft Operators Card, Driver’s licence.
IISD-ELA will require the completion of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector verification.

Nice To Haves

Experience with laboratory information management systems.
Experience supervising assistants, delegating tasks, and ensuring the quality and integrity of data.
Ability to speak French and/or Ojibwe.

Responsibilities

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.).
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.