Job Description

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

NOTE: This is a temporary position from January 2023 to December 2023.

We are seeking a highly driven research student to join our team and help us develop an environmentally sustainable biochemical process to transform inedible starch into value added chemicals. This project is part of a large program encompassing a multitude of industry and applied research partners across the Canadian Prairies.

The ideal academic background is one or more of the following disciplines: biochemistry, chemistry, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and/or biology. While the ideal candidate has prior experience in one or more of these disciplines, we encourage adventurous and motivated students willing to learn by doing in a multidisciplinary supportive environment to apply. Our team provides a highly inclusive teamwork environment to all and seeks individuals who are comfortable with failure, have patience, are tenacious, have sense of humor, and are driven by passion for hands-on learning.

The project includes laboratory scale biochemical synthesis and analytical chemistry work using state-of-the-art equipment and methods to characterize starch feedstock and products, data analysis, and reporting. The project will be executed at NAIT main campus between January 2024 and December 2023.

The Clean Technology program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) supports regional industries through applied research activities aiming to accelerate the development 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, highly multidisciplinary group of professionals with experience and backgrounds in environmental science, applied chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, and industrial microbiology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare samples, buffers and solutions, and perform batch biochemical reactions
• Characterize chemical products using laboratory-based techniques such as:

• Liquid chromatography
• Gas chromatography
• Elemental Analysis
• Ion Chromatography
• Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Acquire and compile data within Excel
• Participate in meetings and troubleshooting activities
• Communicate results and observations effectively between project teams and industry partners as needed
• Write reports/presentations summarizing the data obtained using Word and Power Point

Qualifications:

• Must be able to work full-time from January 1 to December 31, 2023
• Must be enrolled at NAIT or other community college/polytechnic in Chemical Technology, Biological Sciences, Nanotechnology or equivalent programs
• A minimum of one year of demonstrated hands-on training or experience a wet chemistry laboratory is ideal
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, MS Teams is required
• Understanding of lab safety guidelines and best practices including WHMIS, and Occupational Health & Safety guidelines
• Demonstrated experience with gas chromatography techniques is an advantage
• Class 5 driver's license and willingness to travel is an asset

Remuneration: $1,232.92 - $1,530.02 bi-weekly, plus 12% in lieu of statutory holidays and vacation pay. (Classification - Student Research Assistant l)

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

Please submit a resume and Cover Letter to be considered for this opportunity. Apply online today at nait.ca/careers

About NAIT

At NAIT, people matter.

We're proud to have been named one of for 11 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.

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 with respect to 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

NAIT continues to encourage everyone coming to our campuses to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to get their booster shots as soon as they are eligible. Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the best way to prevent severe illness and death, and third doses can boost immunity to improve protection and limit spread.

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)

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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 advise 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.