Lead Instrument Technician

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Guelph seeks a Laboratory Analyst in Guelph, Ontario, to analyze legal raw milk samples for milk composition as required by the Ontario Milk Act. The role operates in an ISO 17025 registered facility with AAQA/QC responsibilities and uses a range of analytical instruments.

The successful candidate will handle sample intake, instrument calibration, QA/QC checks, data entry in LIMS, and mentor new staff as needed. Weekend coverage is required.

Qualifications

• Two-year Community College program plus at least two years of related experience.
• Experience in a high-volume, time-sensitive laboratory.
• Knowledge of dairy analysis methods and QA/QC protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate, repair and maintain analytical instruments for milk composition analysis.
• Receive, unpack, ship and route samples; prepare reagents and controls.
• Enter results in LIMS and maintain accurate records.
• Calibrate instruments and perform QA/QC checks.
• Train new staff and provide backup to supervisor.

Skills

Dairy analysis

QA/QC

Instrument repair

Education

Two-year Community College program

Tools

LIMS

Analytical instruments

Job description

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: LSD Agriculture and Food Laboratory

Requisition ID: 2937

Department: LSD AFL Analytical Biology Unit

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

General Purpose

The Dairy Analysis laboratory, Analytical Biology Section, is seeking an individual to analyze legal raw milk samples for milk composition as required by the Ontario Milk Act and other dairy stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working in an ISO 17025 registered facility and adhering to various accreditations, the incumbent will use, repair and maintain a variety of complex analytical instruments and equipment to conduct analysis for milk composition and quality operating 7 days per week. Additional duties include: receiving, unpacking, shipping and routing samples; preparing reagent and controls; preparing samples for analysis; operation of automated testing instrumentation; assessing qualitative and quantitative results against various factors; entering results in LIMS; maintaining accurate records; calibrating instruments; performing QA/QC checks; properly disposing of samples and general laboratory housekeeping duties; training of new staff and students; serving as a functional back up to the supervisor and other duties as needed.

Requirements

• Two-year Community College program plus at least two-years of related experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working in a high-volume, time-sensitive laboratory.
• Demonstrated working knowledge and experience in dairy analysis and the related methods and QA/QC protocols.
• Training and experience repairing complex and sensitive analytical instruments.
• Excellent trouble-shooting and problem-solving abilities when faced with unexpected analytical results and/or automated instrumentation issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and work with co-workers in a high through-put team environment.
• Good computer skills to work in an automated laboratory environment.
• Understanding of basic statistical terminologies and calculations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and data management.
• Working knowledge of health & safety practices within a laboratory.

This is a physically demanding job and the incumbent must be able to regularly lift and invert 3-7 lbs above shoulder-height, frequently lift 10-20 lbs and push/pull 125 lbs, and continuously stand/walk 6 hours/day.

Work schedule: weekend shift - 5 days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10927849

Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5

USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

• Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

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: 09/25/2026

Closing Date: 10/02/2026