Laboratory Research Technician

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Radio-isotopic ages provide some of the most important information for assembling Earth’s geologic history. Housed within the Department of Earth Science, The Jack Satterly Geochronology Laboratory is at the forefront in the field of precise uranium-lead (U-Pb) dating. Established in 1977, It is the birthplace of modern ID-TIMS (isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry) methods. We specialize in obtaining ages (TIMS & ICP) with the highest accuracy and precision. Our scientists have decades of experience in solving geological problems and developing analytical methods. The Jack Satterly Geochronology Laboratory has proudly worked on exciting joint collaborations with international researchers from universities, government, and mineral exploration companies. 
We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity:

The Laboratory Research Technician will be part of a small dedicated team of researchers who strive for excellence in the field of precise uranium – lead isotopic dating methods.

The Laboratory Research Technician will support our mineral separation laboratory operations. Experience in the use of heavy liquids (methylene iodide) and magnetic separation methods using an Isodynamic Frantz is required. They will also help in our mass spectrometer laboratory by operating a solid source mass spectrometer, which includes loading samples into the instrument and routine cleaning of daily-used components. The Laboratory Research Technician will be an integral part of the research group and will interact with scientists from international academic institutions, government organizations, industry and may participate in the training of students and visitors.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing day-to-day operational needs for one or more labs/workshops
• Performing lab experiments that require great precision and attention to many details
• Preparing, assembling and setting up material, equipment and supplies used in teaching and/or research labs.
• Troubleshooting issues with lab equipment and/or workstations
• Paying close attention to occupational safety precautions
• Ordering supplies within established limits
• Following rules and procedural instructions when removing and disposing waste from work area.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant area such as Geology or Earth Science or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Three years of recent and relevant experience in working in a research laboratory environment, including mineral separation.
• Experience in operating, cleaning, and maintaining rock crushing equipment.
• Experience in operating, cleaning, and maintaining an Isodynamic Frantz Separator.
• Experience in using heavy liquids in a fumehood and an understanding of safety protocols.
• Experience in operating a solid source thermal ionization mass spectrometer (VG or Triton)
• Experience in preparing epoxy grain mounts
• Experience in operating a laser inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS)
• Strong team-oriented mindset
• Experience ensuring all safety procedures and practices are followed.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical issues and procedures to trainees.
• Ability to work closely with PI’s to ensure timely workflow to meet due dates and overall goals of the group.
• Excellent organizational skills for co-ordinating a high throughput of projects and maintaining tidiness of labs.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience working in a clean room environment.
• Experience with data reduction using Isoplot, and software such as Illustrator and/or CorelDraw

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Diligent
• Efficient
• Meticulous
• Organized
• Responsible

Please note: 

• This is a term position until December 2027. 
• This is a part-time position with 29 scheduled work hours per week (80% FTE). 

Closing Date: 11/18/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type : Grant - Term 
Schedule: Part-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 11 -- $79,640 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $101,845. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.