Research Assistant I

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Halifax is seeking a Research Assistant for the Faculty of Agriculture. The role involves laboratory and field research supporting sustainable soil management. Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree in Plant Science or Environmental Sciences and have relevant research experience. This position offers a competitive salary and is crucial for generating innovative solutions for sustainable societies.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Health and dental plans

Employee and family assistance program

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• Approximately 1-2 years relevant research experience in a soil science laboratory.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical capability to handle lab and field conditions including lifting up to 10 kg.

Responsibilities

• Grind and sieve soil samples, prepare for chemical extraction.
• Perform soil extractions and incubations.
• Assist with chemical analysis of soil extracts.

Skills

Biological soil analysis

Soil sampling methods

Chemical analysis of soil

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Plant Science or Environmental Sciences

Job description

Salary $23.01 - $25.29 per hour ($38,889 - $42,735 per annum, 32.5 hours per week)

Classification

Classification RE01

Provisional Statement

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will support laboratory activities as well as periodic field activities for the Centre for Sustainable Soil Management ( CSSM ).

Key Responsibilities

• Grind and sieve soil samples. Prepare soil samples for chemical extraction or spectral analysis.
• Perform soil extractions and incubations as well as oil water potential analysis with pressure plate.
• Assist with chemical analysis of soil extracts as well as assist graduate students with field research and sample analysis.
• Organize and evacuate exetainers for greenhouse gas sampling.
• Maintain records of samples being processed and enter into a database.
• Collect soil samples and assist with annual harvesting of various agricultural crops.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Plant Science or Environmental Sciences plus approximately one to two years relevant research experience in a soil science laboratory (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Experience in and understanding of biological soil analysis; and methodology and SOP development.
• Knowledge and experience in soil sampling methods, chemical analysis of soil samples, and analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from soil.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to tolerate lab and field conditions including loud equipment, inclement weather and dust, walking up to approximately 1 km, and lifting and moving of soil samples up to approximately 10 kg.

Assets

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees for NSGEU local 77 are given first consideration and will be notified regarding the status of their application. All other applicants will be considered when there is no qualified internal candidate.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

Cover Letter