Thin Lab Section Technician, Geological Laboratory

Thin Lab Section Technician, Geological Laboratory

The Department of Geological Sciences is recognized internationally for research and training excellence. Our faculty, students, and staff explore physical, chemical, and biological processes that have shaped our planet over the last billion years. Our research and training advances fundamental and applied geoscience knowledge within three themes: (i) Biological and Environmental Co-evolution of Earth; (ii) Dynamics of Earth System Processes in Modern and Deep Time;

and (iii) Mineral and Energy Resources for a Sustainable Future.

Primary

Purpose:

This position is an integral component of our technical team, directly supporting the teaching, research, and training initiatives in the Department. In particular, these initiatives require dedicated technical support to: (1) prepare complex geological samples for various analytical techniques in the Department and university, and (2) to support and train students (Highly Qualified Personnel - HQP) and other personnel in the development of skills to prepare samples.

Nature of Work:

The geological laboratory technician reports directly to the Head of the Department of Geological Sciences, although they are expected to closely collaborate with all faculty and technical staff.

The main goal of this role will be to utilize the Department’s sample-preparation facilities to prepare a variety of high-quality geological samples for teaching and research. A secondary goal will be to keep the sample-preparation facilities operational at all times. As such, the technician is expected to efficiently use their work hours to independently accomplish this without direct supervision. Although the technician will normally prioritize tasks through consultation with the Department Head and faculty, in some cases, this role may require modifying priorities independently based on project demands or resource constraints.

The technician is expected to use sound judgement in undertaking high-level diagnostic work to prepare samples for scientific analysis as efficaciously and efficiently as possible. This may require creative thinking to develop non-standard, innovative sample-preparation protocols for new samples or high-level diagnostic work to design solutions to maintain and repair equipment. Because sample-preparation laboratories are critical to the research and teaching productivity of the Department, the technician may be required at any time to deal with emergency repairs.

They are also expected and encouraged to develop ideas and suggestions for improved efficiency and safety to the Department Head.

The technician is expected to develop standard operating procedures for the operation of sample-preparation equipment and to instruct and train students, staff, and other departmental visitors in the sample-preparation techniques.

The technician will also be expected to provide technical strategic advice and review of the purchase, installation, and maintenance of new instrumentation infrastructure as part of complex multi-user research facilities that play central roles in key departmental research initiatives and institutional signature areas of research. As such, the technician will also facilitate collaborations with units outside of the department such as industry partners, the Canadian Light Source (CLS), and the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre (SSSC).

They are also encouraged to develop new collaborations with other University and external partners.

The technician will also work collaboratively with other technical staff in the Department to ensure that other Departmental priorities can be achieved in a timely manner.

Typical Duties:

The responsibilities of the technician include: