Research Associate, Marriott Group, Faculty of Science

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Research Associate for the Department of Chemistry. This full-time position involves leading high-pressure fluid experiments, providing technical guidance, and ensuring safety in a specialized lab environment. Candidates should have a degree in Chemistry and several years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 5 to 10 years of related experience in high-pressure chemistry.
• Knowledge of high-pressure thermodynamics is an asset.
• Experience with chemical analytical instruments is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup and maintenance of high-pressure fluid experiments.
• Train graduate students and technical staff on lab processes.
• Conduct literature reviews and write technical reports.

Skills

Data interpretation

Mechanical aptitude

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

LabView

Visual Basic

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Associate, Marriott Group, Faculty of Science

Only for registered members

CAD 60,000 - 100,000

Description

The Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Research Associate, Marriott Group. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 34 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This Research Associate position reports directly to the Principal Investigator and is supported by an Alberta Sulphur Research Ltd. research donation.
The role is based in a high-pressure sour gas research chemistry lab with specialized safety equipment and unique high-pressure lab apparatus. The stress levels associated with this position are moderate, and the individual will need to demonstrate strong judgment and work efficiently to meet deadlines. The role includes frequent interaction with graduate/undergraduate and post docs, students, technical staff, and external sponsors. Maintaining a safe and functional work environment is of paramount importance.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Technical Responsibilities:

• Lead the setup, operation, and maintenance of high-pressure acid gas fluid experiments, ensuring they are performed with precision and safety. Monitor experiments using LabView and other data acquisition tools.
• Apply technical expertise to analyze and interpret complex data, using advanced techniques in chemical analysis and instrumentation.
• Provide strong technical guidance to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and technical staff, training them on laboratory processes, equipment operation, and data analysis.
• Work independently to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with experimental setups, instruments, and software, ensuring seamless lab operations.
• Design and develop new experimental setups and procedures based on project goals, ensuring technical feasibility and adherence to safety standards.
• Participate in the creation of thermodynamic models, using strong analytical and computational skills to support experimental work.
• Oversee the calibration, repair, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Reporting and Publications:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date lab notebooks, documenting all experimental procedures, results, and modifications.
• Manage time effectively, ensuring research tasks are completed on schedule and progress is communicated to the research team and supervisor.
• Conduct literature reviews and stay current on advancements in high-pressure fluid chemistry, contributing to the technical and scientific understanding in the field.
• Write clear, concise technical reports and research papers that meet publication standards and contribute to ongoing research efforts.
• Present research results regularly to the research team and sponsors, using PowerPoint and other presentation tools to convey complex technical concepts effectively.

Safety and Environment:

• Ensure the safe operation of specialized laboratory equipment, following strict safety protocols and guidelines.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safety codes, standards, and best practices related to high-pressure systems and laboratory operations.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and safe working environment for all lab personnel.
• Ensure that all laboratory equipment is properly maintained and calibrated to meet research needs.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and adherence to safety regulations in all aspects of work.
  

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor or master's degree/PHD in Chemistry field.
• 5 to 10 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of high-pressure thermodynamics, models and applications is an asset.
• Experience with several chemical analytical and/or detection instruments is an asset.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and extensive knowledge of data interpretation.
• Ability to compile, draft, and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Demonstrated time management skills, including organizing workload and priority setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.
• Ability to multi-task, and work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to stay organized and work effectively in a changing environment.
• Experience in using the suite of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in programming in Visual Basic and LabView is an asset.
• Experience in literature searching, including libraries, web sites and other media.
• Must demonstrate attention to detail.
• Must be flexible and perform well under tight deadlines.
• Willingness to perform any other duties associated with the research project, of an occasional nature, which may be assigned by Research Supervisor.

Application Deadline: February 14, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.