Job Description

Please refer to the job aid for instructions on how to apply.If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).Hiring Unit:Department of GeographyPosition Summary:Research Assistant 2 to support various lab and field-based research projects, including:

• Research on vegetation and peat samples and gas exchange for NSERC-DG supported work at the Mer Bleue peatland.
• Setup and operation of ESI-Orbitrap mass spectrometer for high-resolution mass spectrometry and stable isotope analysis of soil and plant samples.
• Research on greenhouse gas fluxes from wetlands in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Illinois River.
• These contributions will involve basic statistical analyses, preparation of reports and drafting of manuscripts.

Key Responsibilities:Vegetation and Peat Analysis:

• Send foliar samples for macro-nutrient analyses (C, N, Ca, Mg, K, P) and interpretation of results to test the hypotheses on the relationships between experimental addition of N, P and K over a 24-year fertilization study.
• Analyze peat core samples for elements using X-ray Fluorescence. The results will be compared to expectations (hypotheses) and will be contributed to the manuscript, as co-author..
• Support summer students in measuring greenhouse gas emissions using a gas chromatograph and incubation studies in the fall/winter. Based on the summer gas flux measurements, the RA will establish a series of laboratory incubations to determine the greenhouse gas production/consumption potential, adding to the interpretation of the field results.
• Assist with fieldwork at Mer Bleue.

Mass Spectrometry and Stable Isotope Analysis:

• Assist with installation and configuration of an ESI-Orbitrap isotope instrument and develop standard operating procedures.
• Support stable isotope measurements in biological and environmental samples.
• Contribute to data acquisition, quality control, and preliminary data analysis.
• Perform Hedley Sequential Fractionation Procedure of soil samples. Results will be linked to the environmental conditions in the soils (e.g. hydrology, vegetation, land use) and as a contribution to manuscripts.

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes Research:

• Direct and organize research on greenhouse gas emissions/uptake in wetlands, resulting in estimates of CO2 and CH4 exchange with wetlands of different environmental settings as well as human management (e.g. draining, rewetting/restoration)
• Analyze gas samples using a gas chromatograph and analyze water samples for dissolved organic carbon and SUVA.
• Statistically analyze the relationship of greenhouse gas fluxes to physical and biological variables, obtained above , resulting in a contributions to manuscripts and workshop presentations.

Qualifications:

• Proper safety training for lab equipment use.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Education and Experience:

• MSc degree
• Experience with:

• Gas chromatograph, UV spectrophotometer, dissolved organic carbon analyzer.
• Mass spectrometry and isotope ratio analysis.
• Colorimetric analysis and statistical software.
• Lab equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Sample preparation and analysis.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been Assessed at level #4 on scale of 0-4.Hourly Salary: $30.75Hours per Week: 35 (Full time)Location: Burnside HallSupervisor: Associate ProfessorPosition Start Date: 2025-05-22Position End Date: 2026-03-31Deadline to Apply: 2025-05-29This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, .

McGill University