Date: |
February 5, 2015 |
Reports to (Job Title): |
Senior Chemist (Research Associate Professor at NSERC IRC in Water Treatment) |
Jobs Reporting (Job Titles): |
None |
Department: |
Civil and environmental engineering |
Location: |
Main Campus, DWE labs |
Grade: |
USG 5
35 hr/wk
|
Primary Purpose
Routine analysis of water samples using liquid chromatography/organic carbon detection (LC/OCD) instrument.
Key Accountabilities:
- Perform routine analysis of water samples under the direction of and reporting to the NSERC Chair’s senior chemist (Research Associate Professor). Samples are provided by researchers in the LC/OCD user group. The following routine tasks are required:
- Prepare samples for measurement
- Measure samples on LC/OCD
- Prepare necessary solutions and maintain supplies for instrument
- Assure data quality by running standards and blanks, processing and evaluation of standards and blanks.
- Maintains operating logbook, sample logbook etc.
- Troubleshoots instrument in consultation with supervisor if problems are encountered. Communicates with manufacturer if necessary to resolve issues with input from supervisor.
- On occasion, measure samples using other analytical equipment and provide results after receiving training on this equipment.
- Maintenance of the LC/OCD:
- Ensure good working order of LC/OCD by performing routine preventative maintenance tasks outlined in the manual or as advised by supervisor or manufacturer.
- Communication with researchers and students in the LC/OCD user group pertaining routine sample measurements:
- Receive samples and return empty coolers.
- Verify type of samples with students and communicate with them if problems with samples are suspected with input from supervisor.
- Provides students with LC/OCD outputs of their samples and standards in a timely fashion.
- Establish sample schedule with students on a monthly basis.
- Provides basic training on evaluation of chromatograms to students.
- Administrative responsibilities:
- Keeps track of samples submitted by each researcher
- Maintains record of consumables
- Supports senior chemist with managing the LC/OCD consortium e.g. by providing information on number of samples processed or consumable used for LC/OCD
Position Requirements
Education:
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Science.
Experience:
Experience with LC/OCD or similar chromatographic systems mandatory.
Technical:
MS Word |
Excel |
PowerPoint |
Other |
Basic |
Basic |
Basic |
Chromatography software; Familiarity with laboratory procedures pertinent to quantitative analysis of water samples
|
Nature and Scope
Interpersonal Skills:
Communicates with members of LC/OCD user group submitting samples and provides output of LC/OCD for their samples to the users in a timely fashion. Communicates with supervisor when problems are encountered with the routine operation i.e. instrument problems or problems with submitted samples. Provides supervisor, who manages the LC/OCD user group, with basic data (sample numbers and amount of consumable used).
Level of Responsibility:
The position is responsible and accountable for the timely delivery of LC/OCD sample data to researchers in the LC/OCD user group.
Decision-Making Authority:
Responsible and accountable for routine operation of LC/OCD.
Physical and Sensory Demands:
Physical demands typical of a laboratory position operating within a laboratory environment e.g. lifting of coolers with samples, handling of chemicals, using standard laboratory equipment etc.
Working Environment:
Working in a laboratory environment, will be handling various chemicals e.g. solvents and hazardous materials