Job Description

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

www.nait.ca/careers

Please Note: This is a casual opportunity ending on or before August 29, 2025, with the possibility of extension, depending on funding.

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. Justice Asomaning, Ovintiv Applied Research Chair in Energy and Dr Xiaohua Kong, Applied Research Chair in Materials Circularity, 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 looking forward to welcoming an additional Summer Student. The successful student will join our team and have an opportunity to learn and work on a high-profile applied research project that aims to develop technologies and applications to convert Agri-food byproducts into value-added intermediates and products. The Summer Student will learn and apply laboratory techniques required to characterize and convert starch-rich byproduct streams through enzymatic conversions into intermediates such as glucose, modified starch, and cyclodextrin.


The ideal candidate will be 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 an individual who is comfortable with failure, has patience, is tenacious, has a sense of humour, and is driven by passion for hands-on learning. Curious about what's it like to be a Summer Student with our team?

Check out

these YouTube videos

!

Key

Responsibilities:

Assist with the starch-rich byproducts and agriculture residues characterization using laboratory- based techniques such as: + Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) + Compositional analysis (moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fibre, total starch, amylose + amylopectin, etc.)
+ Water binding and water holding capacity
+ Viscosity and pasting characteristics
+ Starch and fibre analysis
+ Particle size determination by Laser Diffraction
+ Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC)
+ Elemental Analysis (CHNS)


Perform enzymatic hydrolysis and modification of starch-rich byproducts. Prepare samples, buffers, and standard solutions to support compositional and instrumental analyses. Write reports/presentations summarizing the data obtained using Word, Excel, and Power Point. Communicate results and observations effectively between project teams and industry partners as needed. Assist team with method development and internal validation. Collaborate in meetings, troubleshooting activities, and prototype optimization. Acquire data and compile data in Excel.

Skills & Abilities:

Willingness to learn. Desire to challenge yourself. Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills are major assets. Familiarity with pipetting, weighing, and handling hazardous chemicals safely.

Qualifications:

Must be able to work full-time from May 2025 to August 29, 2025. Must be enrolled at NAIT or other post-secondary institution (College, University or Polytechnic) in Food Science, Biological Science, Chemical Technology, Chemical Engineering Technology, or equivalent programs. Experience and technical skills are considered secondary to the willingness to learn and the desire to challenge yourself. Understanding of lab safety guidelines and best practices including WHIMS, and Occupational Health & Safety guidelines considered an asset. Class 5 driver's license and willingness to travel is an asset.




Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Remuneration:

$17.48 - $21.69 per hour, plus 12% in lieu of statutory holidays and vacation accrual. (Classification - Student Research Assistant I).


This casual opportunity 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

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT's culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.


NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.


NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at careers@nait.ca.




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