Laboratory Technologist

The Faculty of Science and Technology currently offers bachelor's degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geology, and General Science. The department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, within the Faculty of Science and Technology, supports three disciplines: Environmental Science, Geography, and Geology.

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science & Technology invites applications for a Laboratory Technologist position, commencing March 01, 2026. Working as part of a collaborative team, the Technologist supports the Integrated Ecosystem Research Laboratory (IERL) by providing technical expertise in wet chemistry laboratory operations, analytical instrumentation (e.g., TOC/TN analyzer, discrete wet chemistry analyzer, ICP-MS, and mercury analyzers), environmental DNA (eDNA) processing, and field monitoring equipment. The role involves planning and organizing laboratory procedures, managing equipment and supplies, and supporting field operations.

The Technologist provides hands-on training, guidance, materials, and equipment support for students, as well as technical support for faculty research programs. Responsibilities also include procurement of laboratory materials and consumables, along with oversight of laboratory safety practices and waste management within assigned spaces.

Through these activities, the Technologist plays a key role in ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of the IERL's laboratory and field environments, supporting high-quality research outcomes and fostering collaboration among faculty, researchers, and students.

This is a limited term position ending on March 2, 2028.

Laboratory operations and safety:

• Support daily laboratory operations in the IERL, ensuring compliance with MRU's safety, biosafety, and environmental regulations.

• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and chemical and biological inventories.

• Coordinate chemical and biological waste disposal in accordance with institutional and government regulations.

• Maintain documentation for safety inspections, risk assessments, accident response and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Prepare and maintain shared reagents, buffers, media, and bacterial stock cultures as needed.

Analytical instrumentation and eDNA workflows:

• Operate, maintain, and calibrate analytical instruments (e.g., (e.g., TOC/TN analyzer, discrete wet chemistry analyzer, ICP-MS, mercury analyzers) following established SOPs and vendor guidance.

• Perform or assist with sample preparation, analysis, and QA/QC for environmental samples.

• Maintain a dedicated eDNA laboratory, applying strict contamination-control protocols.

• Conduct or support DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and library preparation for eDNA analyses, following established protocols.

• Monitor instrument performance, troubleshoot routine issues, and coordinate service and repairs with external vendors and MRU technical support when required.

• Maintain accurate, traceable records of analytical results to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.

Field Instrumentation and monitoring:

• Maintain, program, and troubleshoot field instrumentation such as water-quality sondes, data loggers, and meteorological sensors.

• Support environmental data collection, calibration, and deployment in diverse field conditions.

• Manage data retrieval, QA/QC, and archiving of field and environmental monitoring datasets.

Training, support, and collaboration:

• Provide technical training to undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and visiting researchers.

• Reinforce and monitor adherence to established safety and laboratory procedures by all users.

• Support preparation and review of technical reports, theses, and scientific manuscripts by supplying methods descriptions, QA/QC information, and instrument parameters.

The ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Data Science or a closely-related field.
• Strong technical skills congruent with supporting a wide range of university-level laboratory and field activities.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• A minimum of three years' experience working in a laboratory and field settings.
• Experience with laboratory and fieldwork safety, GHS/WHMIS, and waste management is also desirable.

Salary: $ 64, $ 81,299.40 per annum

Closing Date:  January 23, 2026

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, ).