Research Technician

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 53,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP

Health and dental plans

Wellness allowance

Employee and family assistance program

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Dalhousie University in Halifax seeks a Research Technician to manage the shared marine biogeochemistry laboratory, overseeing operations, instrument calibration, health and safety, and training colleagues while supporting a diverse portfolio of projects.

The role requires an undergraduate science degree, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work on campus with some field sampling and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., oceanography, geology, biology, chemistry or related discipline).
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with laboratory safety standards and compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have the physical stamina to conduct work at sea (e.g., stand for long periods on a moving deck; lift ~20 kg).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of a shared research laboratory, ensuring efficient workflows, organization, and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Manage laboratory resources, including inventory, procurement, equipment maintenance, servicing coordination, and shared equipment scheduling.
• Support research activities through experimental setup, data collection and management, fieldwork participation, and assistance with multiple concurrent projects.
• Train and onboard students, staff, and visitors on laboratory techniques, instrumentation, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Provide administrative support by managing budgets, purchases, expense tracking, compliance documentation, and grant-related reporting requirements.
• Foster collaboration across research groups by serving as a central point of contact, promoting effective communication, equitable use of shared resources, and a positive laboratory culture.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Laboratory safety

Field sampling support

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific field

Master’s degree in a relevant field (asset)

Job description

Salary $53,469 - $67,685 per annum at 37.5 hours per week

Classification

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

Reporting to the Principal Investigators, the Research Technician will manage the shared marine biogeochemistry laboratory of the Principal Investigators. Responsibilities include laboratory operations and inventory management, maintenance and calibration of scientific instrumentation, health and safety compliance, training colleagues , conducting field sampling, and performing chemical and biogeochemical analyses of environmental samples. The position plays a key role in supporting a diverse portfolio of marine research projects and ensuring the smooth operation of the laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of a shared research laboratory, ensuring efficient workflows, organization, and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Manage laboratory resources, including inventory, procurement, equipment maintenance, servicing coordination, and shared equipment scheduling.
• Support research activities through experimental setup, data collection and management, fieldwork participation, and assistance with multiple concurrent projects.
• Train and onboard students, staff, and visitors on laboratory techniques, instrumentation, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Provide administrative support by managing budgets, purchases, expense tracking, compliance documentation, and grant-related reporting requirements.
• Foster collaboration across research groups by serving as a central point of contact, promoting effective communication, equitable use of shared resources, and a positive laboratory culture.

Note

Incumbent must have a valid driver’s license and passport and be able to travel internationally.

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

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., oceanography, geology, biology, chemistry or related discipline)
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with laboratory safety standards and compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have the physical stamina to conduct work at sea (e.g., stand for long periods of time on a moving deck to potentially adverse weather conditions, be able to lift and carry loads of approximately 20 kgs multiple times in a working day).

Assets

• Master’s field in a relevant field.
• Analytical chemistry experience.
• Prior experience in a lab manager or supervisory role.
• Experience with budgeting, ordering systems, and inventory software.
• Experience supporting multiple research groups or shared facilities.
• Prior sea going experience.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP , health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees ( PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

Full-time students currently enrolled at an educational institution are not eligible for regular Grant-Paid positions.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

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 review our Employment Equity information. If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Required Fields

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter