Student Research Assistant, Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability

## Student Research Assistant, Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (Casual)Apply: Onsite: Main Campus: Variable time: Posted Yesterday: End Date: October 25, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): JR Ready to start your next chapter with NAIT?At NAIT, we’re passionate about building a team of talented, dedicated professionals who share our commitment to excellence and innovation. Your skills and experience can shape the future of education and make a real impact in our community.
If this opportunity feels like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating a brighter future – together.Important Application Deadline NoticePlease note that Workday closes job postings at 11:59pm MST on the day before the posting end date listed above.
To ensure your application is received, submit no later than 11:59pm MST the day prior to the posting end date.Internal NAIT EmployeesCurrent NAIT employees are welcome to apply for this opportunity. To be considered, please submit your application through the NAIT Jobs Hub rather than the external career site.Please Note: This is a casual opportunity commencing on January 8, 2027 ending on or before December 24, 2027, with the possibility of extension. Please Note: This positing will be used to fill multiple positions. The Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (CEES) is looking to hire students who are currently enrolled in a college or polytechnic for a full-time internship. Please note: University students do not qualify for this position. Our Centre is located at NAIT’s state-of-the art research laboratory in the Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC). CEES is staffed by an expert team of applied scientists, engineers and technicians. We bridge the gap between existing oil sands, sustainable mining and industrial water treatment research, environmental remediation, and real-world solutions, taking innovative ideas from concept to commercialization. We work with businesses and industries to develop technologies that improve the economic and environmental performance of the energy and mining industries.
The primary responsibilities of this position will be to assist Senior Researchers and Technologists in the implementation of technology development or verification, and validation studies of oil sands, sustainable mining and industrial water treatment related technologies, products or solutions, including microbial-based treatment technologies. This position is lab-based with most of the work involving a range of tasks from simple (i.e. weighing, cleaning glassware) to complex (i.e. following custom analytical procedures). Task complexity will increase with training and time in the role. The work involves long periods of standing on your feet, medium to heavy lifting, performing timed procedures, wearing of personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, lab coat, safety glasses), handling compressed gases, working with biological samples, and handling equipment with moving/rotating parts. Key

Responsibilities:
* Perform basic laboratory techniques such as solution preparation, weighing, volume measurement, and experimental set-up.
* Learn, then conduct and provide support on various chemical and oil sands laboratory analyses such as, flocculation, ion chromatography, particle size analysis, methylene blue index, Atterberg limits, Karl Fischer titration, solvent extractions, and vane yield stress measurement.
* Setting up and maintaining microbial cultures, and performing routine analytical and molecular analyses using techniques including DNA extraction and quantitative PCR
* Collect experimental data, record it in Microsoft Excel, and document observations made during the experiments.
* Review hazard assessments and safe work practices before performing tasks.
* Validate equipment calibration and update control charts.
* Perform routine laboratory housekeeping (e.g. cleaning and organizing glassware, re-stocking of lab consumables).
* Perform routine basic water analysis techniques such as pH, conductivity, TDS, and alkalinity, etc.
* Update chemical and sample inventories.
As this is a Student Research Assistant position, prior working experience is not expected. A willingness to learn is required. Skills & Abilities:* Must have an interest in research and basic understanding of the scientific method.
* Familiarity with the oil sands industry is considered an asset.
* Good computing skills – i.e. intermediate Excel skills to be able to enter data and generate graphs, intermediate PowerPoint skills to assist in creating reports and presentations.
* Effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
* Effective time management and prioritization skills.
* Biosafety training and experience in microbial culturing is considered an asset

Qualifications:
* Currently enrolled at NAIT or other community college in one of the following