Research Assistant II

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

This position is being offered as a temporary contract. Term: 1 year

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Research Assistant II will work in the lab of Dr. Mark Servos in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo. The successful candidate must have a strong background in analytical chemistry, particularly in environmental sample preparation and instrumental analysis.  They will perform extraction and analysis on wastewater treatment plant effluent for pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse.  This includes maintaining sample collection, preparing samples, extracting samples, maintaining QA/QC and analysis with LC-MS/MS.  The assistant will be coordinating sample pickup, sample extraction, LC-MS analysis and completing data analysis and reporting. The assistant will be responsible for safety inspections, chemical and supply inventory, data management and writing SOPs.

Key Accountabilities

Research Support:

• Duties may include but are not limited to the following: 
  • Operates, maintains and troubleshoots problems with standard research equipment
  • Responsible for maintaining inventory of general research materials and supplies
  • Responsible for completing safety inspections and managing chemical inventory
  • Participate in conducting experiments or research work by performing specific assigned tasks, such as data/specimen/sample collection, identification and fieldwork
  • Organize and maintain documentation, experimental records and data; including electronic files and backups
  • Assists in analyzing and interpreting experiment results or research data by performing tasks such as assembly, compilation and summary of statistical and other data
  • Participates in the development of research related documents, including ethics applications, journal publications and dissemination of research findings
  • May help train undergraduate students and provide general onboarding for policies and procedures, and operation of equipment including writing and validating SOPs
  • Assists with special projects and other duties related to the research

Required Qualifications

Education

• Completion of a BSc is required; an MSc is preferred.
• A degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry is strongly preferred.

Experience

• Experience with LC-MS and Agilent Mass Hunter is required
• Experience with coding, Python or R is an asset.
• Minimum one year demonstrated experience in a research academic environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Knowledge of University of Waterloo policies and procedures is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• A full G driver’s license is required
• Intermediate computer skills and knowledge of software applications used in an office/lab setting, including word and excel.
• Proven high-quality customer service interactions with faculty, staff and students.
• Proven aptitude for attention to detail, time management and initiative.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to ask probing questions and anticipate customer needs. 
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written. 

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.