Research Operations Technician

NOVA Chemicals; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in Calgary as a Research Operations Technician, where you'll operate pilot plant equipment, troubleshoot processes, and contribute to innovative projects in chemical manufacturing. Ideal candidates will have a background in engineering technology and strong analytical skills. This full-time role offers a collaborative environment focused on sustainability and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Flexible benefit programs

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in relevant fields required.
• Strong analytical and communication skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate small-scale pilot plant reactor units and process equipment.
• Monitor instrumentation and troubleshoot anomalies.
• Prepare products for testing and maintain process equipment.

Skills

Analytical Ability

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Initiative

Education

Post-secondary education in Chemical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

PC Software

Job description

Join to apply for the Research Operations Technician role at NOVA Chemicals

Join to apply for the Research Operations Technician role at NOVA Chemicals

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

This position could be located in the following location(s): Centre for Applied Research – Calgary, AB

Who We Are:

At NOVA Chemicals we are reshaping plastics for a better, more sustainable world. Our dedicated team of talented individuals works collaboratively to create circular plastic solutions that make everyday life safer, healthier and better. With a focus on safety, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, we strive to constantly improve and shape the future of our industry. Join our team of talented professionals who are passionate about making a difference and be a part of our journey towards sustainability leadership. Together we can create a better, more circular tomorrow.

NOVA Chemicals, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The purpose of the Innovation Operations Department is to ensure safe, reliable, and effective operations at both the CAR and CPA sites while providing essential support to the delivery of the Innovation priorities and the realization of NOVA’s Vision. Reporting to the Supervisor, Technical Scale Facilities, the Research Operating Technician will be challenged, inspired and supported by their team to deliver their best work.

You Will Use Your Expertise To:

• Operate small-scale pilot plant reactor units and process equipment at target conditions.

• Troubleshoot and institute corrective action when necessary, as per experimental operating instructions (EOIs).

• Monitor instrumentation for normal behavior and react to anomalies in the process as they occur.

• Prepare products for analytical and physical testing

• Maintain and repair process equipment and instrumentation as required.

• Apply the Facility Change Management (FCM) process and contribute to the preparation of required documentation.

• Assist with the design, construction and commissioning of subsystems to enhance unit performance.

• Review and revise Standard Operating Procedures, Emergency Procedures, Maintenance Procedures, and associated training documentation.

• Participate in different levels of risk assessments including Safe Work Permits, Hazardous Energy Control, and Process Hazard and Risk Assessment for regular and new unit operations

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of team processes, project plans and the safety of operations.

• Be an active member of the CAR (Centre for Applied Research) Emergency Response Team (ERT).

What We Are Looking For:

• Post-secondary education in Chemical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical Engineering Technology, Chemistry, 4th Class Power Engineering or equivalent experience.

• Excellent analytical ability.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a close team environment and be able to work independently to solve process and technical issues.

• Self-starter who takes the initiative to identify and implement potential improvement opportunities in the process.

• Solid working knowledge of PC software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint.

• Experience with digital logbook and maintenance tracking systems is an asset.

• Experience with polyethylene operations or a related industry is an asset.

You Can Stand Out If:

• You are passionate about your work and put care and thought into all that you do.
• You are responsible and follow through with your commitments to others and to safety.
• You are innovative and are willing to challenge your biases when problem solving.
• You are collaborative, inclusive, and work well with others towards team goals.

Additional Information:

• Relocation will NOT be considered for this position
• Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience
• This role requires no/ad hoc travel
• This is a 12-hour rotating shift position
• Positions will include some lifting and climbing of ladders within various levels of the units
• Overtime and callouts are a requirement of the role due to the 24 hour per day plant operation
• In order to fulfil the duties of this role, the successful candidate will be required to wear respiratory protective equipment. Candidate must successfully pass a fit test and be physically able to wear a respirator

Why NOVA Chemicals?

NOVA Chemicals’ flexible benefit programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees, because when it comes to benefits, everyone has different priorities. Our benefits offerings will vary based on your work location and are an element of the “Total Rewards” package used to reward employees.

Check Us Out Online:

• Visit our NOVA Chemicals' website
• Follow us on X, YouTube, and Instagram for company news.
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Glassdoor for job updates.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Manufacturing and Research

• Industries

  Chemical Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at NOVA Chemicals by 2x

Get notified about new Research Technician jobs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Laboratory Technician III Researcher - Special Core Analysis (SCAL)

Laboratory Technician III – Ore Processability & Hydro Transport Simulation

Laboratory Technician A - GC & ICP Analyst

Laboratory Technician III Pressure-Volume-Temperature-Compositional (PVTC)

Research Assistant-Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science

Prospect Research and Lead Generation Assistant

Seasonal Laboratory Technician – Weekends / Evenings

Veterinary Reception, Client Care, Calgary Animal Referral & Emergency Centre (CARE)

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.