Research Assistant

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA), near Kenora, Ontario

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems and how humans serve a role in sharing and working with one another to protect these resources.

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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 research and facility operations are conducted and completed efficiently.

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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.)
- Assisting with the collection of samples in the field
- 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.

**Qualifications**
- 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 work long hours in diverse weather conditions.
- Must be willing to live in shared accommodations and to share cooking responsibilities with co-workers as required.
- First Aid/CPR certificate
- Pleasure Craft Operators Card
- Driver’s licence

**Asset skills**
- Experience with laboratory information management systems.
- Experience supervising assistants, delegating tasks, and ensuring the quality and integrity of data.
- Experience operating small motorized vessels with an outboard motor.
- Valid ATV certification.
- Ability to speak French and/or Ojibwe.

**Work Conditions**
**The successful applicant will be required to have full vaccination against COVID-19**. This is a condition of employment due to the congregated living aspect of the facility and no teleworking being possible.

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Term:* The contract is for a full-time, 4-month position (Monday, May 1 to Friday, September 1, 2023) or a full-time, 7-month position (Monday, May 1 to Friday, December 1, 2023).

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Compensation:* CAD 637 to 835 per week, depending on experience and education.

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Application deadline:* Monday, February 20, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. CST.

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Application Procedure*

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

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Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

Please include the following:

- A CV (no longer than two pages)
- A cover letter (one page)
- IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)

Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD has implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires em