Mine Tailings Applied Research Scientist/Engineer

SAIT; 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 lead innovative solutions for the management and environmental impact of mine tailings. This role involves conducting in-depth analyses and collaborating with industry experts to enhance sustainability practices. With a focus on developing safer and more efficient methods, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while working in a dynamic environment that values innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3+ years lab research experience in petroleum engineering or geology.
• Strong analytical skills and project management experience required.
• Passion for innovation and attention to detail essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical and chemical analysis of mine tailings.
• Develop innovative solutions for tailings management.
• Collaborate with industry partners to enhance sustainability.

Skills

WHIMS

Hydrology

Geotechnical and soil mechanics

Environmental impact and remediation

Data analysis and modelling

Particle sizing, leachability testing

Operation of large-scale tailing preparation equipment

Operation of FBRM Equipment

Flume and column cells testing

Tailings consolidation, permeability rheological studies

Report writing and documentation

Strong communication

Excellent organizational and time management

Problem-solving ability

Adaptability to new ideas

Education

Chemical Engineering Technology diploma

Power Engineering Technology diploma

Petroleum Engineering diploma

Bachelor's degree in related field

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 Mine Tailings Applied Research Scientist/Engineer, you will be responsible for studying and developing innovative solutions for the management, consolidation, stability, and environmental impact of mine tailings. This role involves conducting geotechnical, mineralogical, and chemical analysis to assess tailings composition, behaviour, and potential for reuse or remediation. You will investigate dewatering techniques, tailings consolidation, and alternative storage methods to improve sustainability and reduce environmental risks. Utilizing laboratory testing, field sampling, and modelling techniques, you will analyze factors such as settlement, seepage, and contaminant to enhance tailings management practices. Collaboration with industry partner geologists, environmental scientists, and engineers will be essential to develop safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible tailings 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 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
• Characterization of Tailings : analyzing composition and properties of tailings
• Particle size distribution analysis
• Determine plasticity and liquidity of fine-grained tailings to asses their behaviour under different moisture conditions
• Compaction & Consolidation Tests – Evaluating tailings settlement, permeability, and shear strength to optimize storage and stability
• Rheological Testing – Measuring the flow behavior of tailings slurries to improve transport and deposition strategies
• Environment and water quality testing – water retention and filtration tests pH and Redox potential measurements
• Microbial analysis
• Collection and dissemination of data to industry partner
• Preparation of analytical reports
• Designing and building experiments for tailing testing
• Optimization of existing experiments for tailing testing

• Tailings Treatment and Reuse Studies
• Develop methods to treat tailings and reduce their water content, volume and environmental footprint
• Enhance dewatering processes
• Flocculation & Thickening Tests – Testing chemical additives to enhance tailings settling, water recovery, and dry stacking feasibility
• Closure Plans
• Inform strategies for the safe and sustainable closure of tailings ponds and other ore waste management facilities

• 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
• Hydrology
• Geotechnical and soil mechanics
• Environmental impact and remediation
• Data analysis and modelling
• Particle sizing, leachability testing
• Operation of large-scale tailing preparation equipment
• Operation of FBRM (Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement) Equipment
• Flume and column cells testing
• Tailings consolidation, permeability rheological studies
• 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.

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