Research Associate

University of Regina; Saskatchewan; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university seeks a Research Associate to join their Cold Region Water Resource Recovery Laboratory. The successful candidate will manage laboratory operations and conduct significant research in environmental engineering, utilizing advanced analytical techniques like GC-MS and LC-MS. A PhD or Master's in a relevant field is required, along with demonstrated analytical chemistry expertise and the ability to mentor junior researchers. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, fostering significant professional growth within a supportive research environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for performance-based extension

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Demonstrated specialization in analytical chemistry.
• Experience in trace-level environmental sample analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory daily operations under supervision.
• Serve as the primary technical lead for analytical platforms.
• Conduct research in environmental engineering.

Skills

Environmental analytical chemistry

GC-MS operation

Analytical method development

PFAS analysis

Team mentorship

QA/QC protocols

Education

PhD or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

Job description

Research Associate

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Required documents:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Reference Contact Info
• Research Interests/Projects
• Sample Research Publication 1
• Sample Research Publication 2
• Sample Research Publication 3
• Other (see Special Instructions)

Position Details

The Cold Region Water Resource Recovery Laboratory (CRWRRL) at the University of Regina conducts cutting‑edge research at the intersection of water quality, environmental analytical chemistry, resource recovery, and sustainable infrastructure with a focus on cold and semi‑arid regions. Sponsored by major funding agencies and partners, CRWRRL is equipped with advanced analytical and experimental instruments, including mass spectrometry platforms. Research outcomes have helped launch the university spin‑off EcoLoop Sustainable Technologies Limited. The laboratory offers a high‑impact, well‑funded environment for professional growth, technical leadership, and long‑term career development within the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science.

What You’ll Do

• Laboratory Management & Operations
  • Oversee the laboratory’s daily operations under the supervision of the PI.
  • Manage laboratory infrastructure, instrumentation scheduling, inventories, and consumables.
  • Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance logs.
  • Ensure laboratory safety compliance by conducting training, performing risk assessments, and adhering to institutional safety policies.
• Analytical & Technical Responsibilities
  • Serve as the primary technical lead for GC‑MS, LC‑MS, and other analytical platforms used in environmental analyses.
  • Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods to support ongoing and new research projects.
  • Diagnose and resolve routine analytical and instrumental issues; coordinate vendor service when major maintenance is required.
  • Ensure data quality, reproducibility, and adherence to QA/QC standards.
• Research & Scholarly Activities
  • Conduct research in environmental engineering under the direction of the PI.
  • Participate actively in experimental design, data interpretation, and peer‑reviewed manuscript preparation.
  • Contribute intellectually to research planning and proposal development where appropriate.
• Mentorship & Team Support
  • Assist the PI in training and mentoring junior students, visiting researchers, and new laboratory members.
  • Provide hands‑on technical guidance and promote best practices in analytical and laboratory work.
  • Foster a collaborative, rigorous, and professional research environment.
• Other Responsibilities
  • Participate in other activities deemed appropriate by the supervisor to support laboratory operations, research excellence, and team development.

Position Requirements

• PhD or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated specialization in analytical chemistry or environmental analytical chemistry.
• Proven experience in environmental sample preparation and trace‑level analysis.
• Peer‑reviewed publications demonstrating analytical expertise and research capability.
• Substantial hands‑on experience operating and maintaining GC‑MS and/or LC‑MS systems or comparable advanced mass spectrometry platforms, including but not limited to:
  • Routine operation and performance verification
  • Analytical method development and validation
  • Troubleshooting and resolving common instrumental and analytical issues

Skills That Will Ensure Your Success in the Role

• First‑hand experience in PFAS analysis and/or plastic additive analysis (e.g., fluorinated compounds, plasticizers, stabilizers) is a strong asset.
• Experience analyzing emerging contaminants in complex environmental matrices (e.g., water, wastewater, solids).
• Experience managing or co‑managing a research laboratory or shared analytical facility.
• Strong familiarity with QA/QC protocols, analytical documentation, and research‑ or regulatory‑grade data validation.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior graduate students or laboratory users.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary, commensurate with degree, experience, and responsibilities in accordance with the CUPE Local 5791 Research Employees pay scale at the University of Regina. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package as per university guidelines.
• Opportunity for extension subject to performance and funding availability.
• Central role in a growing, well‑supported environmental engineering research program.

Open 01/06/2026 — Close 01/30/2026.

Diversity Statement

The University of Regina is committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University’s employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code.