Job Description

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To ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at

NOTE: This temporary position ends on or before March 31, 2025.

NOTE: This position is limited to NAIT internal staff only.

The Clean Technology team at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) supports industry and community partners in achieving their sustainability goals through the development and application of technologies rooted in circular economy principles. Led by Dr. Paolo Mussone, Ovintiv Applied Research Chair in Energy, The Clean Technologies team is a diverse, inclusive, highly multidisciplinary group of professionals and students with experience and backgrounds in environmental science, applied chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering. We are seeking a junior technician to conduct laboratory and fieldwork for the remainder of the project below.

The successful candidate will join our team and have an opportunity to work on a project that aims to build a quantitative assessment of microplastics occurrence in the North Saskatchewan River (NSR) across the Edmonton Municipal Region. The junior technician will learn, apply, optimize, and troubleshoot laboratory techniques required to extract and isolate microplastics from the NSR water matrix and assist with analysis using complex analytical laboratory instrumentation. Their work will contribute to the largest study of its kind in western Canada. The junior technician will also assist the project team during the spring, summer, and fall months to carry out fieldwork with the team and help in the collection of freshwater samples using a prototype sampling system. This project is part of the Plastics Research In Action program. Find out more about the program here: .

The ideal candidate is an adventurous, highly motivated, team-oriented individual who thrives in a multidisciplinary supportive learning and working environment. Our team provides a highly inclusive team environment to all and we seek individuals who are comfortable with failure, have patience, are tenacious, have a sense of humor, and are driven by a passion for hands-on learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate chemical microscopy instruments independently, such as \xc2\xb5FTIR and Raman microscope, to perform identification and quantification of microplastic particles.
• Process particle maps and use library searching to identify and quantify microplastic particles.
• Carry out detailed protocols related to microplastic isolation and cleanup from the NSR matrix. Provide valuable feedback to optimize techniques.
• Work with students and other researchers to ensure all safety protocols and procedures are strictly adhered to.
• Participate in microplastic sampling campaign on the shorelines of the North Saskatchewan River, during field season. This will include hiking to various sampling points along the river.
• Conduct routine testing of freshwater samples using standard procedures for pH, conductivity, TSS, and Ion Chromatography and assist researchers with nonstandard testing using various chromatography and spectroscopy techniques.
• Complete general laboratory tasks including solution preparation, experimental setup, glassware cleaning, basic field, and analytical equipment maintenance.
• Help with maintaining the laboratory in an optimal state including general housekeeping, chemical inventory/ handling, and updating safety protocols.
• Assist team with method development and internal validation.
• Write reports/presentations summarizing the data obtained using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Skills & Abilities:

• Hands-on experience with chemical imaging microscopy such as IR and Raman microscopes.
• Working knowledge of microplastic laboratory and field practices.
• Competent in quality assurance procedures to mitigate microplastic contamination.
• Willingness to learn and the desire to challenge yourself.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to work full-time until March 31, 2025.
• Minimum 1-year laboratory experience working specifically with microplastics.
• Technical diploma from a college/polytechnic in Biological, Environmental Technology, Nanotechnology, Chemical Technology, Chemical Engineering Technology, or equivalent program or university degree with a focus in science.
• Understanding lab safety guidelines and best practices including WHIMS, and Occupational Health & Safety guidelines considered an asset.

Remuneration: $44,211.18 - $56,426.50 biweekly, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification - Research Assistant I).

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

At NAIT, people matter.

We\'re proud to have been named one of for 12 consecutive years. Developing an engaging, supportive, and rewarding work culture is something we take seriously. We know that people are our biggest asset - they are what makes NAIT a great place to work.

At NAIT, you are part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, and industry clients and partners. The NAIT culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability. We are committed to and are a proud partner of the and Pride at Work Canada. NAIT is committed to advancing equity and cultivating inclusion throughout the hiring process. We especially encourage applications from Aboriginal and Indigenous people, Black and racialized people, gender and sexually diverse (2SLGBTQIA+ and women) people, immigrants, and people with disabilities.

What we offer

We\'ve created a benefits package that focuses on health and wellness, professional and personal growth, recognition, and work-life balance.

NAIT is a flexible workplace and depending on the nature of your role, you may request flexible work arrangements concerning where and when you work, including being on-campus full-time, working off-site, or a combination of the two.

Employees also have access to excellent vacation time, paid time off between Christmas and New Year\'s, a strong recognition program, learning opportunities, 2 annual all-staff professional development days and so much more.

Health and Safety

You can find the latest information on NAIT\'s response to COVID-19 at

Additional requirements

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada who have not had them previously assessed should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the (IQAS)

Accommodations

NAIT is an inclusive employer and strives to hire a diverse workforce. If you are contacted by us regarding a job opportunity, please don\'t hesitate to contact us if you require any accommodation during the selection process. Please contact us via email at

We thank you for your application, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology