Laboratory Assistant - Chemistry

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph's Chemistry Unit within the LSD AFL is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support chromatographic analyses and other chemistry testing in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities include sample preparation, extractions, setting up instrument sequences, entering results into LIMS, preparing reagents, and ensuring safety and quality to meet accreditation standards. This role is temporary full-time with a defined end date.

Qualifications

• Two-year Community College diploma from a Laboratory Technician program in the Chemistry field, plus 6 months of relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated working experience with sample preparative techniques, extractions and rapid tests.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Preparing a variety of food and environmental samples and sub-sampling.
• Performing routine extraction and analytical cleanup procedures and tests.
• Setting up instrument sequences and performing sample analysis under supervision.
• Entering analytical results into LIMS.
• Preparing reagents and analytical standards.
• Verifying pipettes, thermometers, and maintaining records for accreditation requirements.
• Ensuring laboratory cleanliness and safety.
• Understanding OECD GLP and ISO 17025 guidelines and Health and Safety policies.

Skills

Positive attitude

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Self-motivated

Education

Laboratory Technician Diploma (Chemistry)

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: LSD Agriculture and Food Laboratory

Requisition ID: 2693

Department: LSD AFL Chemistry Unit

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 10/19/2026 to 09/03/2027

Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent.

General Purpose

Laboratory Services Division (LSD) provides diagnostic and testing services to clients in private industry, government and academic organizations. A diverse service laboratory, LSD consists of two operational units: The Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL) and the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL). The Chemistry Unit (AFL) is seeking a laboratory assistant to play a broad supporting role for chromatographic based analysis, as well as other chemistry related testing approaches within the Unit.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Preparing a variety of food and environmental samples (cleaning, chopping, grinding, weighing) and/or sub-sampling.
• Performing a variety of routine extraction and analytical clean up procedures and tests.
• Setting up instrument sequences and performing sample analysis under the guidance of laboratory technicians.
• Entering analytical results into LIMS.
• Preparing reagents and analytical standards.
• Verifying pipettes, thermometers, etc. and maintaining appropriate records for accreditation requirements.
• Discarding samples, solvents and reagents in compliance to health & safety standards and protocols.
• Understanding and complying with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) GLP and/or ISO 17025 guidelines, LSD guidelines and policies including Health and Safety and Quality Assurance.
• Ensuring laboratory cleanliness and safety.

Requirements

• The Chemistry Unit environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative. Candidates who bring a positive and service-focused attitude, who thrive managing multiple tasks, are highly adaptive and flexible, and enjoy working within a team environment, will be most successful in this role.
• Two-year Community College diploma from a Laboratory Technician program in the Chemistry field, combined with 6-months of relevant laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated working experience with a variety of sample preparative techniques, extractions (liquid/liquid, solid phase, reflux and acid digestions) and rapid tests.
• Proven ability to work efficiently and effectively in light of new information, changing situations and different environments.
• Self-motivated, adaptive and able to work collaboratively in a team environment, within tight deadlines and minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS legislation in a laboratory environment.
• Experience working in an OECD accredited Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) laboratory is considered an asset.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10486067

Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 3

USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 10/05/2026

Closing Date: 10/12/2026