Job Description

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
We know imposter syndrome can get in the way, but we truly value diverse perspectives. Don't hesitate to apply-submit your application today!
Please submit via e-recruit:

• Cover Letter: A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV including your education, laboratory/research experience, technical skills, and any publications or presentations.
• Research Statement: 1-2 pages describing your research background, experience with analytical chemistry, and your career goals. Highlight how your expertise will contribute to CRWRRL's objectives.
• Sample Publications: Reprints or copies of three relevant research articles (published or in press) that best demonstrate your experience and skills.
• References: Names and contact information for at least two referees who can speak to your laboratory skills, research experience, and personal attributes. (At least one reference should be able to comment on your technical expertise in analytical chemistry.)

For any outstanding questions, please contact Dr. Jinkai Xue at jinkai.xue@uregina.ca.
Position Details
Posting Summary
Competition Number 20260005A/S
Position Title Research Associate
Faculty/Department Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Unit Engineering-Other
Employee Group CUPE 5791 - Research
Collective Agreement Consideration Open to the Public.
CUPE 5791 Job Family Research
Category Staff
Number of Vacancies 1
Position Summary
The Cold Region Water Resource Recovery Laboratory (CRWRRL) (crwrrl.com) is a signature environmental systems engineering research laboratory at the University of Regina (uregina.ca), Saskatchewan, Canada. CRWRRL conducts cutting-edge research at the intersection of water quality, environmental analytical chemistry, resource recovery, and sustainable infrastructure, with a particular focus on challenges unique to cold and semi-arid regions.
CRWRRL is supported by major funding agencies and partners, including NSERC, CFI, Mitacs, PrairiesCan, Innovation Saskatchewan, the Government of Saskatchewan, as well as multiple municipal and industrial partners. The laboratory is equipped with a wide range of advanced analytical and experimental instruments that are critical to modern water and environmental research, including mass spectrometry-based platforms.
Research outcomes from CRWRRL have catalyzed the creation of a University of Regina spin-off company, EcoLoop Sustainable Technologies Limited, translating laboratory innovations into real-world environmental solutions.
Joining CRWRRL means becoming part of a high-impact, well-funded, and forward-looking research environment, offering opportunities for professional growth, technical leadership, and long-term career development.
The University of Regina is a research-intensive institution located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, with strong and internationally recognized programs in environmental engineering and science. Environmental sustainability and climate action are among the five pillars of the University's strategic plan. The Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science hosts a unique Environmental Systems Engineering program, with faculty conducting leading research in areas such as climate simulation, cold-region engineering, and sustainable drinking water and wastewater treatment.
We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Research Associate to oversee the daily operation, safety, and analytical capability of a research laboratory in environmental engineering and environmental analytical chemistry. The successful candidate will serve as the primary technical and operational lead of the laboratory under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and will provide direct support to the PI and research team members.
Candidates holding either a PhD or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline are encouraged to apply. In addition to laboratory management responsibilities, the appointee will conduct research in environmental engineering, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, assist in mentoring and training junior students, and help ensure a safe, efficient, and collaborative laboratory environment.
The position is offered with a one-year probationary period, with the possibility of conversion to long-term employment based on performance, funding availability, and laboratory needs. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
What You'll Do:
Laboratory Management & Operations

• Oversee the laboratory's daily operations under the supervision of the PI.
• Manage laboratory infrastructure, instrumentation scheduling, inventories, and consumables.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance logs.
• Ensure laboratory safety compliance by conducting training, performing risk assessments, and adhering to institutional safety policies.

Analytical & Technical Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical lead for GC-MS, LC-MS, and other analytical platforms used in environmental analyses.
• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods to support ongoing and new research projects.
• Diagnose and resolve routine analytical and instrumental issues; coordinate vendor service when major maintenance is required.
• Ensure data quality, reproducibility, and adherence to QA/QC standards.

Research & Scholarly Activities

• Conduct research in environmental engineering under the direction of the PI.
• Participate actively in experimental design, data interpretation, and peer-reviewed manuscript preparation.
• Contribute intellectually to research planning and proposal development where appropriate.

Mentorship & Team Support

• Assist the PI in training and mentoring junior students, visiting researchers, and new laboratory members.
• Provide hands-on technical guidance and promote best practices in analytical and laboratory work.
• Foster a collaborative, rigorous, and professional research environment.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in other activities deemed appropriate by the supervisor to support laboratory operations, research excellence, and team development.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary, commensurate with degree, experience, and responsibilities in accordance with the CUPE Local 5791 Research Employees pay scale at the University of Regina, with the specific salary to be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package as per university guidelines.
• Opportunity for extension subject to performance and funding availability.
• Central role in a growing, well-supported environmental engineering research program.

Position Requirements
What You'll Bring to this Position:

• PhD or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated specialization in analytical chemistry or environmental analytical chemistry.
• Proven experience in environmental sample preparation and trace-level analysis.
• Peer-reviewed publications demonstrating analytical expertise and research capability.
• Substantial hands-on, first-hand experience operating and maintaining GC-MS and/or LC-MS systems, or comparable advanced mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., triple quadrupole, quadrupole time-of-flight, or high-resolution mass spectrometry systems), including but not limited to:

• Routine operation and performance verification
• Analytical method development and validation
• Troubleshooting and resolving common instrumental and analytical issues

Skills That Will Ensure Your Success in the Role:

• First-hand experience in PFAS analysis and/or plastic additive analysis (e.g., fluorinated compounds, plasticizers, stabilizers) is a strong asset.
• Experience analyzing emerging contaminants in complex environmental matrices (e.g., water, wastewater, solids).
• Experience managing or co-managing a research laboratory or shared analytical facility.
• Strong familiarity with QA/QC protocols, analytical documentation, and research- or regulatory-grade data validation.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior graduate students or laboratory users.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Physical Demands
Pay Grade As Per CUPE 5791 Research
Salary Range As per CUPE 5791- Research Collective Agreement
Status Term
Work Hours
Duration (if Term/Temporary) 1 year, with possibility of extension
Full-Time/Part-Time Full Time
Preference Posting No Preference
Target Posting Not Targeted
Additional Information
Contact Information
Job Open Date 01/06/2026
Job Close Date 01/30/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Application Instructions
We know imposter syndrome can get in the way, but we truly value diverse perspectives. Don't hesitate to apply-submit your application today!
Please submit via e-recruit:

• Cover Letter: A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV including your education, laboratory/research experience, technical skills, and any publications or presentations.
• Research Statement: 1-2 pages describing your research background, experience with analytical chemistry, and your career goals. Highlight how your expertise will contribute to CRWRRL's objectives.
• Sample Publications: Reprints or copies of three relevant research articles (published or in press) that best demonstrate your experience and skills.
• References: Names and contact information for at least two referees who can speak to your laboratory skills, research experience, and personal attributes. (At least one reference should be able to comment on your technical expertise in analytical chemistry.)

For any outstanding questions, please contact Dr. Jinkai Xue at jinkai.xue@uregina.ca.
Diversity Statement
The University of Regina is committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University's employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Required
Required Documents * Resume/Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter
• Reference Contact Info
• Research Interests/Projects
• Sample Research Publication 1
• Sample Research Publication 2
• Sample Research Publication 3
• Other 2 (See Special Instructions to Applicants field on Posting)

Optional Documents
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Skills Required