Research Technologist

Saskatchewan Research Council; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible retirement options

Professional development opportunities

Robust safety program

Team-oriented environment

Job summary

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is seeking a Research Technologist to advance rare earth element processing through laboratory and pilot-scale testing at Saskatoon’s Rare Earth Processing Facility.

You will work with engineers, scientists and operations staff to operate equipment, collect data and drive process development from testing to readiness for production, supporting 24/7 operations and a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology, Chemical Technology, Laboratory Technology or a related technical discipline.
• Two to five years of related experience in chemical processing, laboratory testing, pilot plant operations, solvent extraction, hydrometallurgy or a similar industrial process environment.
• Experience with sample preparation, chemical handling, process equipment, instrumentation, data collection and technical documentation is asset.
• Experience supporting pilot plant operations, commissioning activities, production environments or process development projects is asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to support REE process development, commissioning and operational readiness activities.
• Support projects related to rare earth element hydrometallurgy, calcination, precipitation, solvent extraction, metallization and process optimization.
• Prepare, handle and process chemical samples, reagents and solutions in accordance with established procedures, safety requirements and quality standards.
• Operate, monitor and troubleshoot laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, including pumps, mixers, tanks, instrumentation and solvent extraction systems.
• Collect, record and organize process data and observations to support technical analysis, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist engineers, scientists, technologists and operations personnel with test planning, equipment setup, process trials and technical problem solving.
• Maintain laboratory and pilot plant work areas, equipment, supplies and documentation to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations.
• Support the procurement, receiving and coordination of chemicals, consumables, materials and equipment required for testing and commercial activities.

Skills

Safety

Data collection

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Time management

Education

Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology, Chemical Technology, Laboratory Technology or related technical discipline

Job description

With more than 400 employees, $83 million in annual revenue and nearly 80 years of RD&D experience, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is Canada's second largest research and technology organization with 1,400 clients in 16 countries around the world. We help clients from across the world solve technology problems, make improvements, seize opportunities, maintain competitiveness, increase productivity, and develop new markets.

Our employees make a difference. We hire people who are passionate about their work because we are passionate about making a positive impact in our province and beyond. We recognize the important value of work-life balance and our employees enjoy generous time off. SRC also offers many other benefits such as flexible retirement and savings options, insured benefits, professional development opportunities, a robust safety program, and an outstanding team environment.

Overview

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is seeking a Research Technologist to join our REE Commercial team. This role supports the development of rare earth element (REE) processing expertise and the execution of hydrometallurgical, solvent extraction and metals production projects at SRC's Rare Earth Processing Facility.

As a Research Technologist, you will play a key role in laboratory and pilot-scale testing, process development, commissioning and operational readiness activities. Working alongside engineers, scientists and operations personnel, you will operate process equipment, collect technical data and contribute to the advancement of critical minerals processing technologies.

Accountabilities

• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to support REE process development, commissioning and operational readiness activities.
• Support projects related to rare earth element hydrometallurgy, calcination, precipitation, solvent extraction, metallization and process optimization.
• Prepare, handle and process chemical samples, reagents and solutions in accordance with established procedures, safety requirements and quality standards.
• Operate, monitor and troubleshoot laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, including pumps, mixers, tanks, instrumentation and solvent extraction systems.
• Collect, record and organize process data and observations to support technical analysis, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist engineers, scientists, technologists and operations personnel with test planning, equipment setup, process trials and technical problem solving.
• Maintain laboratory and pilot plant work areas, equipment, supplies and documentation to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations.
• Support the procurement, receiving and coordination of chemicals, consumables, materials and equipment required for testing and commercial activities.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology, Chemical Technology, Laboratory Technology or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Two to five years of related experience in chemical processing, laboratory testing, pilot plant operations, solvent extraction, hydrometallurgy or a similar industrial process environment.
• Experience with sample preparation, chemical handling, process equipment, instrumentation, data collection and technical documentation is considered an asset.
• Experience supporting pilot plant operations, commissioning activities, production environments or process development projects is considered an asset.

Skills

• Strong commitment to safety and responsible handling of chemicals and process materials.
• High attention to detail with the ability to accurately collect data, maintain records and follow technical procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting abilities related to laboratory and pilot-scale equipment.
• Strong organizational, prioritization and time management skills in a fast-paced environment.

The chosen candidate will also be required to provide an original Criminal Record Check that is satisfactory to SRC prior to the commencement of any employment duties. The Criminal Record Check must have been executed within the preceding 30 days of receipt.

This position is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and requires shift work to support 24/7 operations at SRC's Rare Earth Processing Facility.

Deadline to apply is October 9, 2026

As SRC strives to build a representative workforce, applications are encouraged from persons of Indigenous ancestry.