Research Assistant II

University of Waterloo • Waterloo, ON

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant II will work in the lab of Dr. Mark Servos in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo. The successful candidate must have a strong background in analytical chemistry, particularly in environmental sample preparation and instrumental analysis. They will perform extraction and analysis on wastewater treatment plant effluent for pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse. This includes maintaining sample collection, preparing samples, extracting samples, maintaining QA/QC and analysis with LC-MS/MS. The assistant will be coordinating sample pickup, sample extraction, LC-MS analysis and completing data analysis and reporting. The assistant will be responsible for safety inspections, chemical and supply inventory, data management and writing SOPs.

Requirements

• Completion of a BSc is required
• Experience with LC-MS and Agilent Mass Hunter is required
• A full G driver’s license is required
• Intermediate computer skills and knowledge of software applications used in an office/lab setting, including word and excel.
• Proven high-quality customer service interactions with faculty, staff and students.
• Proven aptitude for attention to detail, time management and initiative.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to ask probing questions and anticipate customer needs.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written.

Nice To Haves

• An MSc is preferred.
• A degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry is strongly preferred.
• Experience with coding, Python or R is an asset.
• Minimum one year demonstrated experience in a research academic environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Knowledge of University of Waterloo policies and procedures is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots problems with standard research equipment
• Responsible for maintaining inventory of general research materials and supplies
• Responsible for completing safety inspections and managing chemical inventory
• Participate in conducting experiments or research work by performing specific assigned tasks, such as data/specimen/sample collection, identification and fieldwork
• Organize and maintain documentation, experimental records and data; including electronic files and backups
• Assists in analyzing and interpreting experiment results or research data by performing tasks such as assembly, compilation and summary of statistical and other data
• Participates in the development of research related documents, including ethics applications, journal publications and dissemination of research findings
• May help train undergraduate students and provide general onboarding for policies and procedures, and operation of equipment including writing and validating SOPs
• Assists with special projects and other duties related to the research

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level