Thin Lab Section Technician, Geological Laboratory

Thin Lab Section Technician, Geological Laboratory The Department of Geological Sciences is recognized internationally for research and training excellence. Our faculty, students, and staff explore physical, chemical, and biological processes that have shaped our planet over the last billion years. Our research and training advances fundamental and applied geoscience knowledge within three themes: (i) Biological and Environmental Co-evolution of Earth; (ii) Dynamics of Earth System Processes in Modern and Deep Time; and (iii) Mineral and Energy Resources for a Sustainable Future. Primary Purpose: This position is an integral component of our technical team, directly supporting the teaching, research, and training initiatives in the Department. In particular, these initiatives require dedicated technical support to: (1) prepare complex geological samples for various analytical techniques in the Department and university, and (2) to support and train students (Highly Qualified Personnel - HQP) and other personnel in the development of skills to prepare samples. Nature of Work: The geological laboratory technician reports directly to the Head of the Department of Geological Sciences, although they are expected to closely collaborate with all faculty and technical staff. The main goal of this role will be to utilize the Department’s sample-preparation facilities to prepare a variety of high-quality geological samples for teaching and research. A secondary goal will be to keep the sample-preparation facilities operational at all times. As such, the technician is expected to efficiently use their work hours to independently accomplish this without direct supervision. Although the technician will normally prioritize tasks through consultation with the Department Head and faculty, in some cases, this role may require modifying priorities independently based on project demands or resource constraints.  The technician is expected to use sound judgement in undertaking high-level diagnostic work to prepare samples for scientific analysis as efficaciously and efficiently as possible. This may require creative thinking to develop non-standard, innovative sample-preparation protocols for new samples or high-level diagnostic work to design solutions to maintain and repair equipment. Because sample-preparation laboratories are critical to the research and teaching productivity of the Department, the technician may be required at any time to deal with emergency repairs. They are also expected and encouraged to develop ideas and suggestions for improved efficiency and safety to the Department Head. The technician is expected to develop standard operating procedures for the operation of sample-preparation equipment and to instruct and train students, staff, and other departmental visitors in the sample-preparation techniques. The technician will also be expected to provide technical strategic advice and review of the purchase, installation, and maintenance of new instrumentation infrastructure as part of complex multi-user research facilities that play central roles in key departmental research initiatives and institutional signature areas of research. As such, the technician will also facilitate collaborations with units outside of the department such as industry partners, the Canadian Light Source (CLS), and the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre (SSSC). They are also encouraged to develop new collaborations with other University and external partners. The technician will also work collaboratively with other technical staff in the Department to ensure that other Departmental priorities can be achieved in a timely manner. Typical Duties: The responsibilities of the technician include: all aspects of preparing rock and mineral samples, including cutting, polishing, crushing, and grinding of rock samples and the creation of thin sections and grain mounts preparing other specialized samples as required for varied analytical methods, and complementary sample processing protocols including mineral separation maintain the integrity and viability of the sample-preparation equipment through required and preventative maintenance. lead the training and instruction of students, staff, and other departmental visitors in the safe operation of all sample preparation equipment and in the effective preparation of thin sections being available during working hours to consult with faculty, staff and students on all matters related to sample preparation, suggesting optimal preparation procedures and scheduling the work keeping a careful inventory of samples submitted for preparation, using a digital tracking system to keep track of their progress, and invoicing users for completed samples providing assistance and advice in the acquisition of new sample infrastructure, developing technical competence and expertise in the use of new equipment, providing training in its operation, and assisting with the decommissioning of old equipment given only a general mandate and installation specifications, design and oversee the space requirements to have the physical infrastructure ( power, lighting, etc.) in place for the installation of new equipment or additions to existing equipment, in consultation and coordination with other members of the department, the Manufacturer or its agent, and other University units such as Facilities and Information and Communications technology (ICT) taking responsibility for the maintenance, organization and safe working conditions of room 11, 70 and 251 and any other sample preparation equipment and liaising with Geological Engineering staff on the use of this room and any other shared equipment or space taking responsibility for and inventorying the equipment in rooms 48 and 70, arranging for the disposal of unneeded items documenting, organizing, and curating the departmental rock sample collection in the storage rooms supporting the broader needs of the department and its priorities through other assigned duties Education: Formal education obtained in a related field of study (diploma, certification or degree). Knowledge of geoscience is an asset. Experience: Experience with the operation and maintenance of sample-preparation equipment for scientific analysis, particularly for geoscience samples; a demonstrated mechanical aptitude; ability to diagnose problems, conduct relevant technical and scientific research, determine appropriate solution and execute a design or repair as required. Skills: Effective interpersonal and communication skills with diverse stakeholders; ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as a member of a team.