Mine Tailings Applied Research Scientist/Engineer

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution as a Mine Tailings Applied Research Scientist/Engineer, where you'll develop innovative solutions for managing mine tailings. Engage in cutting-edge research, collaborating with industry experts to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your skills in geotechnical and chemical analysis, while contributing to safer and more efficient practices in the field. If you're passionate about environmental responsibility and innovation, this position is your chance to make a significant impact in applied research.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of research lab experience in petroleum engineering, geology, or chemical engineering.
• Strong analytical skills and project management experience are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical, mineralogical, and chemical analyses of mine tailings.
• Develop innovative solutions for managing and stabilizing tailings.
• Collaborate with industry partners to ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

WHIMS knowledge

Hydrology

Geotechnical and soil mechanics

Environmental impact assessment

Data analysis and modeling

Particle sizing and leachability testing

Operation of tailings preparation equipment

Report writing

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology

Diploma in Power Engineering Technology

Diploma in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in a senior technical role

Job description

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department assists partners in conceptualizing, prototyping, and delivering products to market. ARIS is at the forefront of developing innovative technologies. As one of Canada's top applied-research colleges, SAIT offers 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and dedicated research staff to support organizations from concept to prototype.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Mine Tailings Applied Research Scientist/Engineer responsible for developing innovative solutions for managing, consolidating, stabilizing, and assessing the environmental impact of mine tailings. This role involves conducting geotechnical, mineralogical, and chemical analyses to evaluate tailings composition, behavior, and potential for reuse or remediation. You will investigate dewatering techniques, tailings consolidation, and alternative storage methods to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental risks. Utilizing laboratory testing, field sampling, and modeling, you will analyze factors such as settlement, seepage, and contaminants to improve tailings management practices. Collaboration with geologists, environmental scientists, and engineers from industry partners is essential to develop safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.

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

The Role

1. Lab Activities
   • Define scope and objectives of experiments
   • Develop testing methodologies, verification, and validation processes
   • Characterize tailings by analyzing composition and properties
   • Perform particle size distribution analysis
   • Assess plasticity and liquidity of fine-grained tailings under different moisture conditions
   • Conduct compaction and consolidation tests to evaluate settlement, permeability, and shear strength
   • Perform rheological testing to understand flow behavior of tailings slurries
   • Conduct environment and water quality tests, including pH and redox potential measurements
   • Microbial analysis
   • Collect and disseminate data to industry partners
   • Prepare analytical reports
   • Design and optimize experiments for tailings testing
2. Tailings Treatment and Reuse Studies
   • Develop methods to treat tailings and reduce water content, volume, and environmental footprint
   • Enhance dewatering processes
   • Conduct flocculation and thickening tests with chemical additives
3. Closure Plans
   • Inform strategies for the safe and sustainable closure of tailings ponds and waste management facilities
4. Operational Tasks
   • Track consumables and order materials
   • Prepare invoices for industry partners
   • Maintain necessary materials and supplies for continuous lab operations

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology, Power Engineering Technology, or Petroleum Engineering
• At least 3 years of research lab experience in petroleum engineering, geology, geophysics, or chemical engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combined education and experience in a senior technical role
• Over 5 years of experience in a senior field role in petroleum engineering

Skills Required

• Knowledge of WHIMS, hydrology, geotechnical and soil mechanics
• Environmental impact assessment and remediation
• Data analysis and modeling
• Particle sizing and leachability testing
• Operation of tailings preparation equipment and FBRM instruments
• Testing of flumes and column cells
• Understanding of tailings consolidation, permeability, and rheology
• Report writing and documentation skills
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain confidentiality
• Openness to new ideas, adaptability, and teamwork

Additional Details

Job classification: Technologist III

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

Number of positions: 1

Hours per week: 40

Application deadline: Open until filled

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education, recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers. We prepare the next generation of industry leaders through innovative and collaborative education. Join us to make a difference in the world of applied research and education.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and members of gender and sexually diverse communities. We support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process and provide accommodations upon request.

Important Notice

Beware of false postings. SAIT’s official job postings are only on our career site. We will never ask for sensitive personal information beyond the application process. Please apply only through our official channels.