AEL-AMS Prep Lab Technician

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The André E. Lalonde Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Laboratory is Canada's national centre for environmental radioisotope analysis and research that addresses issues of national interest and economic impact in the earth and environmental sciences, nuclear energy and health sciences. The facility measures trace concentrations of radioisotopes and other rare elements that exist in the environment from natural sources and from human activities.

Position Purpose:

The Technician performs general laboratory techniques and provides testing services of limited or moderate complexity. Observes and records results and maintains optimal processing conditions. May engage in work of a repetitive nature for which on the-job training is usually provided. May be responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the research laboratory and may perform related administrative duties.

The purpose of this position is to conduct sample preparation at the AEL-AMS Facility. Reporting to the Radiocarbon Lab Head, the candidate will primarily focus on radiocarbon (¹⁴C) organic and inorganic sample processing, including weighing, CO₂ trapping, purification, graphitization, and AMS target preparation (80%). The remaining time (20%) will be used for tritium (³H) sample preparation, assisting with electrolytic enrichment and distillation of low-level environmental water samples. The incumbent will also be responsible for routine laboratory maintenance and cleaning.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Under supervision, selects and conducts tests of simple or moderate complexity using standard procedures and established standards; uses judgment to obtain results.

• Assists with conducting or running experiments or research work by performing assigned tasks, such as administering forms or questionnaires, recording and/or coding data or observations, and identifying and conducting routine sample tests using standardized techniques.

• Performs simple preparation of materials according to test specifications.

• Assists in analyzing and interpreting experiment results or research data by performing tasks such as assembly, compilation and summary of statistical and other data.

• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots problems with standard research equipment.

• Makes minor modifications of procedure within guidelines; records both requested results and observed anomalies.

• Assists in modifying test procedures and equipment, and in testing and calibrating test equipment. Works according to a research or testing schedule.

• Ensures sterilization of laboratory material, glassware washing and decontamination of biohazardous material and waste produced by laboratories.

• Cleans and performs basic maintenance of equipment and apparatus.

• Provides basic technical support and advice to users on good laboratory practices.

• Orders and keeps inventory of supplies.

• Ensures compliance with policies and safety standards.

• Carries out other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

What you will bring:

• High school diploma and sufficient technical training and relevant experience to have a basic understanding of the principles of the discipline applied in specific situations.

• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance procedures, sterilization techniques, and regulations concerning decontamination and disposal of biohazardous material (as applicable).

• Knowledge of and experience in safe laboratory practices.

• Basic knowledge of lab equipment

• One to two years of relevant experience in similar laboratory work an asset.

• Bilingualism is an asset, but not mandatory.

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Key Competencies at uOttawa:
Here are the required competencies for all or our employees at uOttawa: 

Planning: Organize in time a series of actions or events in order to realize an objective or a project. Plan and organize own work and priorities in regular daily activities.
Initiative: Demonstrate creativity and initiative to suggest improvements and encourage positive results. Is proactive and self-starting. Show availability and willingness to go above and beyond whenever it is possible.
Client Service Orientation: Help or serve others to meet their needs. This implies anticipating and identifying the needs of internal and external clients and finding solutions on how to meet them.
Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperate and work well with other members of the team to reach common goal(s). Accept and give constructive feedback. Able to adjust own behaviour to reach the goals of the team.

The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment. The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities may contact to communicate the accommodation need. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Note: if this is a union position: The hiring process will be governed by the current collective agreement related to the union affiliation noted above; you can click here to find out more.

If this is a front-line position with responsibilities to interact with students, selected candidates must be rated at the Low Advanced proficiency level or higher for both oral comprehension and reading comprehension in their second official language. The rating is determined by a proficiency test designed by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.