Research Associate - Analytical Chemistry
About Queen's University
Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
Come work with us!
Job Summary
Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate - Analytical Chemistry will play a crucial role in the advancement of mineral processing techniques and the optimization of resource extraction processes.
The Research Associate - Analytical Chemistry will perform a wide array of duties for the research team that include, but are not limited to, sample preparation, method development, geochemical analysis, and management of mineral and rock samples, ensuring accurate and reliable data is generated in a safe and efficient manner. These activities will generate results to drive outcomes for several critical minerals processing research projects.
The incumbent will collaborate with Faculty, research staff, students in the research team, and will interact with other departments/units in support of the research project. The incumbent may support other research projects as needed and may also participate in other special projects as required.
Job Description
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepare mineral samples for assay through meticulous representative sampling and pulverizing techniques, ensuring the integrity and homogeneity of samples.
Assist in the development and maintenance of comprehensive inventories of mineral samples and associated data, implementing efficient organizational systems to facilitate easy retrieval and tracking.
Assist in the development and validation of analytical methods for mineral and rock sample analysis, adeptly troubleshooting instruments and methodologies to optimize performance, ensuring accuracy, precision, and efficiency in sample analysis.
Operate analytical instrumentation, including Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES), and Carbon-Sulfur analyzer (C/S), adhering to established protocols to generate precise analytical results.
Conduct routine maintenance and calibration of analytical instruments to uphold the accuracy and reliability of the equipment.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for analytical instrumentation. Provide advice and guidance on SOPs to research staff.
Responsible for providing comprehensive training for students on analytical instrumentation.
Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards governing mineral processing and environmental protection, maintaining meticulous records and documentation of analytical procedures and findings.
Purchase laboratory supplies and consumables.
General laboratory supervision, enforce all regulations and standards ensuring integrity, compliance and safety.
Perform hazard risks assessments to mitigate safety risks. Actively identify and report hazards to the PI.
Undertake other duties in support of the research team.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
University degree or 3-year college diploma in chemistry, geochemistry, mineral processing, analytical chemistry or related field.
3-5 years of related experience, knowledge of university structure, policies and procedures is considered an asset.
Demonstrated experience in assaying.
Prior experience in geochemical analysis is considered an asset.
Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
Ability to work among a diverse group of researchers, from faculty to graduate and undergraduate students, to accomplish goals and improve overall laboratory efficiency.
Experience in planning, implementing, and analyzing experiments using modal analysis methods and tools.
Experience with analytical instrumentation.
Strong organizational, time management and training skills.
Ability to manage small projects related to chemical analysis and oversee their completion from study conception, design, protocol, ethics, recruitment, data collection, analysis, and reports.
Strong interpersonal skills
The ability to work independently, or collaborate with others, to achieve results.
DECISION MAKING:
Make recommendations and determine the best approach for implementation of processes to ensure research time-lines and objectives are met. Assess progress and determine alternative methods.
Resolve problems as they arise and determine when to report on these actions to the PI.
Decide what to do when encountering an unexpected problem and when problem is serious enough to contact the PI.
Make suggestions on data collection, presentation of results and coordination of activities.
Determine best method to present information and results.
Determine when a problem or accident is serious enough to warrant consultation with PI.
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at [email protected].
