Laboratory Technician III – Ore Processability & Hydro Transport Simulation

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Laboratory Technician III to join their innovative team. This role focuses on applied research in the oil and gas sector, specifically in ore processability and hydro-transport simulations. You will conduct critical tests to evaluate material properties and optimize extraction processes, working closely with industry partners. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a passion for innovation, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in mineral processing. Join a collaborative environment where your expertise will drive efficiency and improve recovery rates in a dynamic field.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of lab research experience in petroleum engineering or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills and project management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ore characterization tests and hydro-transport simulations.
• Optimize ore extraction and slurry transport efficiency.

Skills

WHIMS

Ore and mineral analysis

Rheology and slurry behaviour

Pipeline flow simulations

Chemical and physical testing

Report writing and documentation

Strong communication

Excellent organizational skills

Problem-solving ability

Education

Chemical Engineering Technology diploma

Power Engineering Technology diploma

Petroleum Engineering diploma

Bachelor's degree in a senior technical role

Tools

XRD

XRF

ICP-MS

Job description

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. ARIS is on the leading edge of novel technology development. As one of Canada’s top applied-research colleges, SAIT has 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and full-time research staff who are solely dedicated to providing the services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.

The Opportunity

As a Laboratory Technician III – Ore Processability & Hydro Transport Simulation, you will develop applied research and testing related to the extraction, processing, and transport of oil sands and other mineral ores in the oil and gas industry. Your primary responsibilities will include conducting ore characterization tests to evaluate material composition, viscosity, and processability, as well as performing hydro-transport simulations to assess slurry behavior in pipelines. Utilizing laboratory techniques such as particle size distribution analysis, rheological testing, sedimentation studies, and wear testing, you will optimize ore extraction and slurry transport efficiency. You will work with industry partner engineers and scientists to analyze test results, maintain laboratory equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. This role is critical in improving ore recovery, reducing pipeline wear, and enhancing transport efficiency in oil and gas operations.

Strong analytical skills, project management experience, attention to detail and a passion for innovation are essential for success in this role.This role requires consistent attention to confidentiality and strict adherence to SAIT’s non- disclosure policies.

The Role

• Lab Activities
• Take direction for scope and objective of experiments
• Develop testing methodologies, verification and validation
• Batch extraction unit (BEU) – complete lab scale processability tests on various ores from site
• Determine recovery rates and potential processing issues
• Test various caustic dosage and blending options for site
• Filed Spec 4 Standard – Res Spectraradiometer – measure spectra of ores from site as a method to help determine ore quality without lab characterization analysis
• Calibrating and maintaining equipment
• Following safety procedures, handling chemicals, pressurized systems and heavy materials safely in compliance with industry standards
• Collection and dissemination of data to industry partner
• Preparation of analytical reports

• Hydro transport Simulations
• Simulate hydro transport to complete lab scale ablation testing on simulated ore lumps
• Generate large volumes of froth for various lab tests
• Prepare analytical reports
• Slurry Flow Testing
• Erosion and Abrasion Testing
• Settling and Sedimentation Studies

• Track Consumables, Ordering Materials
• Track all consumables used in the execution of the research
• Prepare invoices for the industry partner
• Order consumables and keep necessary materials and supplies in good order to all for continuous operation of the lab work

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Chemical Engineering Technology , Power Engineering Technology, or Petroleum Engineering diploma
• 3+ years demonstrated lab research experience in petroleum engineering, geology or geophysics, chemical engineering

• Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree or combination of education and experience in a senior technical role
• 5+ years of experience in a senior field role petroleum engineering

Skills Required

• WHIMS
• Ore and mineral analysis
• Rheology and slurry behaviour – viscosity, yield stress and fluid mechanic
• Pipeline flow simulations, flow loop testing pressure drop measurements and erosions analysis
• Chemical and physical testing XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, and Sedimentation tests
• Report writing and documentation
• Strong communication, both written and verbal
• Excellent organizational and time management
• Excellent time management and able to work in a high-pressure environment
• High degree of organizational skills, and problem-solving ability, given the dynamic and often confidential nature of research projects
• High degree of confidentiality and discretion
• Willingness to embrace new ideas, methods, and work environments
• Adjusting workflows and priorities as partner needs shift
• Seeking opportunities for upskilling and acquiring new competencies
• Working effectively with different teams during day-to-day tasks performance, including the implementation and sustain change

Job classification: Technologist III

Salary range: $64,625.60 - $ 83,928.00

# of positions: 1

Hours Per Week: 40

Posting closing date: Open until position is filled

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.

BEWARE FALSE POSTINGS AND RECRUITING OFFERS

SAIT has been made aware of individuals or organizations posing as SAIT using false postings to attract job seekers and collect personal information. Please be aware that SAIT will never request sensitive personal information beyond what is required for an application.

Career opportunities at SAIT will always be posted on the SAIT career site and we encourage applicants to only apply directly through there. When your application is completed you will receive an email confirmation, if you did not receive one please check your junk mail or try applying through the SAIT career page again.