Chemical Technologist

Our Analytical Chemistry Branch is looking for Chemical Technologists
The Chemical Technologist will join the Analytical Chemistry Branch of the Hydrogen and Tritium Technologies Directorate. The Analytical Chemistry Branch (ACB) provides a comprehensive range of analytical support for all programs at CNL, including Science & Technology, Waste Management and Decommissioning, Commercial, and Regulatory Compliance. ACB has different teams to perform analyses of diverse matrices by employing various chemical methodologies, separation techniques and a variety of instruments.

ACB staff perform diverse functions, including (a) characterization of groundwater and site effluent samples by ion chromatography (IC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography for various environmental parameters, including anions, phenols, ammonia, mercury and solvent extractable organic species, (b) elemental analyses of contaminated groundwater, surface water and radioactive waste matrices by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), (c) hydrogen/deuterium and helium analyses of irradiated pressure tube reactor artefact specimens by hot vacuum extraction mass spectrometry (HVEMS and fission-gas analysis for fuel post-irradiation examinations, (d) radiochemical separation methods to isolate radionuclides of interest (tritium, carbon-14, strontium-90, cobalt-60, cesium-137, Curium-243/244, americium-241, Pu-238, Pu-239 etc. and quantify them by alpha, beta and gamma spectroscopic techniques, (e) Uranium and plutonium isotopic analyses for fuel burn-up and personnel dosimetry by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), (f) certification/recertification of heavy water standards and analysis of virgin and contaminated heavy water by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy etc. The Branch also work on various commercial projects in partnership with other R&D departments. There is considerable synergy between ACB staff and other CNL Branches and thus the incumbent is expected to have strong teamwork qualities.

What will you be doing

• Performing the day-to-day analysis of samples, assisting in the development/optimization of new methods and assisting in the maintenance of labs and instrumentation.
• Performing analysis of samples from diverse matrices including but not limited to both contaminated and non-contaminated waters, ground waters, wastewaters, sediments, soils and metals using an array of analytical instrumentation and various sample preparation and separation methodologies.
• Assisting in the development and documentation of analytical methods in conjunction with professional staff.
• Assisting professional staff in writing operating procedures and laboratory protocols and train junior/less experienced staff on methods used in the laboratory.
• Using common system operating platforms, data handling software and computers to process chemical analysis data using statistical analysis techniques to account for propagated uncertainties.
• Receiving and handling radioactive samples from customers according to established laboratory procedures.
• Applying standard QA/QC procedures including maintaining appropriate quality records.
• Preparing routine progress and technical reports (including standard analysis reports).
• Selecting and purchasing lab supplies and maintaining and troubleshooting a variety of instruments required for analyses.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology in a field relevant to the position (such as Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Technology), and normally has two to 3 (2-3) years of pertinent technological experience OR
  • Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent and normally has five to eight (5-8) years of pertinent and progressive experience or equivalent experience, additional education and/or training
  • A Bachelor Degree is desired
• Experience
  • Experience, knowledge and skills in one or more of the instrumental areas such as Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), ICP-OES, Chromatographic techniques (HPLC, Liquid and Gas chromatography), Radiochemical Separations, Gamma Spectroscopy, Alpha Spectroscopy, NMR, IR- spectroscopy, Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) is valued.
  • Experience with instrumental electronics, computer coding and vacuum technology is an asset.
  • Excellent working knowledge of inorganic analytical chemistry analysis techniques including sample handling, preparation, wet chemistry separation techniques, colourimetry, spectrophotometry and data calculations.
  • Handling and proper storage of hazardous chemicals is highly desirable.
  • Experience with a LIMS system is an asset.
  • Experience in the application of standard QA/QC procedures, experience in an ISO 17025 accredited lab is highly desirable.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge and understanding of statistical analyses of data and propagated uncertainties is desirable.
  • Strong organizational skills to effectively manage the variety of samples and analyses, with demonstrated attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work as part of a team, as well as ability to work independently to accomplish tasks.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's "Standard on Security Screening" and the "Policy on Government Security."

Why CNL?

Does working with a team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world speak to you? We're reinventing ourselves to be the pacesetters so we can lead the charge in solving the problems that matter, like building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy solutions, developing new and better-targeted cancer treatments, and continuing to lead the world in environmental remediation.

We offer a complete total rewards package :

• paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal);
• benefits effective day one, that's right, no waiting period;
• tuition support
• and a pension

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
• Restore and protect the Environment.
• Contribute to the health of Canadians.

Location :

CNL's Chalk River Laboratory is nestled in the Ottawa Valley and affords our employees an area that is environmentally pristine with extensive forests, hills, and numerous small lakes, all of which support a variety of wildlife typical to the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Many surrounding towns, such as Pembroke, Petawawa, and Deep River, provide unparalleled outdoor adventures at your doorstep

CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in achieving our mission. CNL welcomes and celebrates employees, stakeholders and partners of all racial, cultural, and ethnic identities. Read here further on our DE&I Commitment.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and a corporate culture that is built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity and Excellence which encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects inclusive of accommodations for all employees.

CNL is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please indicate via our ATS when applying. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

The Chalk River Laboratories site is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. As an organization, CNL recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. CNL also recognizes the contributions that First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and this province and country as a whole.

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