DepartmentAbout us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology is one of the largest departments of its kind in North America, with internationally renowned and award-winning faculty. We strive to provide the necessary context, expertise and guidance on pressing challenges that face society today, including combating global climate change and saving rare and endangered species. Our department is a world leader in the discipline in discovery, innovation and teaching.


Your opportunity:

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Laboratory Technician provides laboratory support by conducting routine experiments and providing general laboratory maintenance for the Rochman Lab. The Rochman Lab focuses on studying the sources, fate and effects of anthropogenic contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This includes a heavy focus on microplastics and associated chemicals found in environmental samples (e.g. water, sediments, fish).

Assisting the PI with research projects, the incumbent will help with studies that improve methods and that use these methods to quantify and characterize microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. This will entail helping organize documents to prepare for new studies, collect samples, prepare samples for analysis; quantify microplastics in samples using microscopy, measure particles using ImageJ software, determine the material type using Raman or Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and document findings.


Your responsibilities will include:

• Applying established standards when preparing routine samples for research projects and/or experiments
• Applying established standards when selecting and preparing equipment for routine laboratory experiments and/or assays
• Collecting experimental data, verifying results and passing on findings
• Applying established standards when determining material requirements for lab set up based on timetables and requisitions information
• Collaborating with staff and course instructors to determine lab set up requirements
• Applying established standards when cleaning lab, rooms and equipment
• Updating and maintaining a procedures manual
• Paying close attention to occupational safety precautions

CampusEssential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in ecology, environment science, or environmental chemistry, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum one year of recent and related experience in conducting research experiments in microplastics, specifically related to developing and/or using methods to quantify and characterize microplastics in environmental samples
• Experience in quantifying and identifying microplastics in environmental samples
• Experience utilizing Raman and FTIR spectroscopy to identify plastic polymers, and using a HORIBA Raman instrument with LabSpec 6
• Experience in documenting experimental results and updating experimental manuals
• Experience with providing user training on laboratory procedures and equipment (e.g. HORIBA Raman spectroscopy)
• Advanced skills in microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ImageJ, wet lab techniques, and Microsoft Excel
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communications skills
• Excellent manual dexterity
• Ability to learn new techniques on the job, and keep up-to-date in the field
• Ability to handle several tasks, and effectively prioritize and meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Diplomatic
• Efficient
• Patient
• Problem solver
• Tactful

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Campus: St. George (downtown Toronto)
Schedule: Full-time
Job Field: Research & Teaching
Job Posting: Sep 19, 2019
Job Closing: Sep 30, 2019, 11:59:00 PM