Research Geochemist

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Primary Purpose

The Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Group (GGR) in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Waterloo is a collection of dynamic individuals led by David Blowes and Carol Ptacek who are committed to advancing understanding of the fate transport and remediation of dissolved metals metalloids nutrients and anthropogenic contaminants in groundwater. This research includes detailed field investigations laboratory studies development of reactive barriers and other passive remedial solutions and development of mathematical models to predict the complex geochemical behavior of these systems. The U Waterloo research team consists of approximately 25 individuals including research staff post-doctoral fellows graduate students and undergraduate students. The research team works in close collaboration with several individuals and research teams across Canada and internationally in both academic and government addition the research team maintains partnerships with a number of Canadian and international mining and industrial sector companies. The Research Geochemist is accountable to the Principal Investigator and will work collaboratively with a team of internal stakeholders (the Principal Investigator co-investigators Laboratory Manager research staff and students) toward achieving major project objectives. Responsibilities will include: operation and maintenance of sophisticated analytical instruments supporting students and post-doctoral fellows in the laboratory and maintenance and management of laboratory facilities. This job was created to ensure the objectives of the GGR research program can be met by hiring personnel with experimental and analytical experience to provide continuity and support for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

Key Accountabilities

Contribution to the objectives of the Ground water remediation research program

Operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentations including Ion Chromatographs Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry instruments Water (H2O) Isotope Analyzer multicollector ICP-MS GC-MS/MS. IC-MS/MS HPLC-MS/MS High-resolution Tribrid mass spectrometer.

Geochemical analysis for anions cations trace heavy metals and measurements of δ18O and δD and anthropogenic contaminants.

Ensure high quality deliverables through the preparation and distribution of concise accurate analytical reports and project communications.

Support graduate students and research fellows with laboratory research activities.

Contribute to laboratory safety protocols laboratory organization and cleanliness.

Laboratory Maintenance

Maintain the laboratory instruments (IC iCAP-OES ICP-MS Picarro Isotopic H2O HPLC-MS/MS GC-MS)

Implementation and adherence to certified laboratory procedures.

Sample planning control and reporting of results along with Detection Limit and QA/QC results

Participation in laboratory safety program SOP training and laboratory monthly inspections

Contribute to the development of analysis methods for projects

Develop methods to analyse samples from field sites or laboratory experiments

Support graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the project research activities

Required Qualifications

Education

MSc in Environmental Chemistry Earth Sciences or a related discipline

Experience

Minimum 3 years of experience working with Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers in a clean room environment analysis of ground water samples following EPA Method 6020 A C

Minimum 3 year of experience operating and maintaining ion chromatography instruments

Experience with Water (H2O) Isotope Analyzer

Experience with HPLC-MS/MS

Experience with GC-MS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Proficiency in Office Word Excel Powerpoint Sigmaplot

Experience with Ground water anions and cations analysis

First Aid Certified

Hazwoper Training

Can work well both independently and in a team environment

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.