Laboratory Research Technician

**Date Posted**:10/01/2024
**Req ID**: 39930
**Faculty/Division**: Faculty of Arts & Science
**Department**: Department of Earth Sciences
**Campus**: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
**Position Number**: 00000136

**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, TheJack 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.

**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 oversee our rock and mineral processing operation, which includes a rock crushing laboratory and a mineral separation laboratory. Experience using a jaw crusher, disk mill, and Wilfley Table is desirable. Mineral separation will involve the use of heavy liquids and magnetic separation methods. Participation in some tasks in our low-Pb clean rooms will be required. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining the laboratory’s sample database and publication archive. 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 will 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. Master’s degree highly preferred.
- Three years of recent and relevant experience working in a research laboratory environment.
- 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.
- Strong team-oriented mindset.
- 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 coordinating a high throughput of projects and maintaining tidiness of labs.
- Experience ensuring all safety procedures and practices are followed.

**Assets (Nonessential)**:

- Experience working in a clean room environment.
- Experience operating a laser-ICPMS

**To be successful in this role you will be**:

- Diligent
- Efficient
- Meticulous
- Organized
- Responsible

**Closing Date**: 10/10/2024, 11:59PM ET
**Employee Group**: USW
**Appointment Type**: Budget - Continuing
**Schedule**: Full-Time
**Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone**:
**Job Category**: Research Administration & Teaching
**Recruiter**: Daniel Hoverd

**Lived Experience Statement