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Analytical Support Chemist

Date: February 5, 2015
Reports to (Job Title): Senior Chemist (Research Associate Professor at NSERC IRC in Water Treatment)
Jobs Reporting (Job Titles): None
Department: Civil and environmental engineering

Location:

Main Campus, DWE labs

Grade:

USG 5
35 hr/wk


Primary Purpose

Routine analysis of water samples using liquid chromatography/organic carbon detection (LC/OCD) instrument.

Key Accountabilities:

  1. Perform routine analysis of water samples under the direction of and reporting to the NSERC Chair’s senior chemist (Research Associate Professor). Samples are provided by researchers in the LC/OCD user group. The following routine tasks are required:
    • Prepare samples for measurement
    • Measure samples on LC/OCD
    • Prepare necessary solutions and maintain supplies for instrument
    • Assure data quality by running standards and blanks, processing and evaluation of standards and blanks.
    • Maintains operating logbook, sample logbook etc.
    • Troubleshoots instrument in consultation with supervisor if problems are encountered. Communicates with manufacturer if necessary to resolve issues with input from supervisor.
    • On occasion, measure samples using other analytical equipment and provide results after receiving training on this equipment.
  2. Maintenance of the LC/OCD:
    • Ensure good working order of LC/OCD by performing routine preventative maintenance tasks outlined in the manual or as advised by supervisor or manufacturer.
  3. Communication with researchers and students in the LC/OCD user group pertaining routine sample measurements:
    • Receive samples and return empty coolers.
    • Verify type of samples with students and communicate with them if problems with samples are suspected with input from supervisor.
    • Provides students with LC/OCD outputs of their samples and standards in a timely fashion.
    • Establish sample schedule with students on a monthly basis. 
    • Provides basic training on evaluation of chromatograms to students.
  4. Administrative responsibilities:
    • Keeps track of samples submitted by each researcher
    • Maintains record of consumables
    • Supports senior chemist with managing the LC/OCD consortium e.g. by providing information on number of samples processed or consumable used for LC/OCD

Position Requirements

Education:

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Science.

Experience:

Experience with LC/OCD or similar chromatographic systems mandatory.

Technical:

MS Word Excel PowerPoint Other
Basic Basic Basic

Chromatography software; Familiarity with laboratory procedures pertinent to quantitative analysis of water samples

Nature and Scope

Interpersonal Skills:

Communicates with members of LC/OCD user group submitting samples and provides output of LC/OCD for their samples to the users in a timely fashion. Communicates with supervisor when problems are encountered with the routine operation i.e. instrument problems or problems with submitted samples. Provides supervisor, who manages the LC/OCD user group, with basic data (sample numbers and amount of consumable used).

Level of Responsibility:

The position is responsible and accountable for the timely delivery of LC/OCD sample data to researchers in the LC/OCD user group.

Decision-Making Authority:

Responsible and accountable for routine operation of LC/OCD.

Physical and Sensory Demands:

Physical demands typical of a laboratory position operating within a laboratory environment e.g. lifting of coolers with samples, handling of chemicals, using standard laboratory equipment etc.

Working Environment:

Working in a laboratory environment, will be handling various chemicals e.g. solvents and hazardous materials