Term: 2 years

The Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Laboratory Manager will provide technical and scientific expertise for development, execution and coordination of research projects related to the geochemistry of inorganic and organic environmental contaminants in the fields of mining, industrial waste management, and agriculture. The Laboratory Manager will provide leadership and oversight for laboratory and field experiments/data collection, analytical instrument operation, and data analysis, including QA/QC and training of graduate students, undergraduate students and technicians, and will assist the Principal Investigators (PIs) with funding acquisition and deliverables.

This role is contingent upon funding.

Laboratory Administration

• Assist in development, design, set-up, monitoring and summation of research projects
• Coordinate safety and compliance training and procedures for laboratory operations
• Prioritize and manage laboratory workflow based on researcher needs and laboratory efficiency
• Periodically evaluate staffing needs of the laboratory for efficient and effective operation
• Prepare applications for staff funding (e.g., NSERC USRA, UW URI, UW Work-Study Program), hire and oversee the work of casual employees (e.g., contractors, term work students, work study students)
• Support and participate in technical training (e.g., demonstrations) for graduate and undergraduate students and visiting fellows and researchers
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports and articles
• Conduct literature searches, review and assist in preparation of manuscripts and make informal and formal presentations
• Respond to inquiries about services
• Communicate with laboratory customers regarding laboratory services, analytical needs, sample status, and analytical results
• Perform other administrative duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PIs

Financial Administration

• Manage financial and budgetary resources of the Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Research Group (laboratory finances)
• Manage laboratory inventory, and purchase supplies and oversee purchasing and budgeting for laboratory operations
• Ensure laboratory operates in a fiscally responsible and financially stable condition
• Participate in the establishment and evaluation of fees for laboratory services
• Prepare invoices for analytical services, track billing and receivables

Laboratory Oversight:

• Oversee, mentor, and provide guidance to a research team that includes students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, on-going performance management with coaching and feedback
• Develop and maintain records (including electronic databases and paper files) with results of laboratory analyses and appropriate ancillary data for purposes including the storage, maintenance, tracking, reporting, and archiving of sample related information
• Maintain laboratory data base and ensure reporting as per requirements of funding agencies

Laboratory Operations:

• Ensure maintenance of analytical laboratories and infrastructure for a suite of sophisticated instrumentation focused on analysis of aqueous, gaseous, and solid samples
• Application of sample preparation and extraction techniques for geochemical analysis. Use of filtration, freeze-drying, direct precipitation, ion exchange, ultra-filtration, dissolved gas extraction and automated analytical techniques
• Quantification of dissolved constituents using: inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers (ICP-OES); quadrupole ICP mass spectrometers (Q-ICP-MS); high-resolution ICP-MS (HR-ICP-MS); a multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS); two high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometers (HPLC-MS); ion chromatography systems (IC); a total mercury analyzer; and a laser ablation system
• Use of data acquisition software (e.g., Chromeleon, ChemStation, Galaxy) and management of research databases
• Establish laboratory quality assurance and quality control standards through laboratory experiments and testing, and where appropriate involve inter-laboratory proficiency assessments
• Establish and implement scientific methods, protocols, and procedures through research and laboratory experiments for gas and isotopic analysis of gaseous and aqueous samples
• Conduct experiments to develop and improve new and existing methods and procedures when needed
• Introduce new computer software and technology to laboratory operation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory processes, enhance data quality, and reduce operational costs
• Prioritize equipment needs of the laboratories including maintenance and acquisition
• Write and maintain the technical procedures (SOPs) and records for all techniques including QA/QC procedures

Laboratory Safety

• Ensure the safety of students and staff Coordinate and document safety and maintenance services (e.g., periodic eye wash and safety shower assessments, monitoring performance of autoclaves, vacuum pumps, fume hoods, acid purifiers, and compressed gas installations)
• Proactively address laboratory safety issues. Facilitate periodic laboratory inspections and respond fully to all Departmental/Faculty Safety audit findings. Rectify safety related deficiencies and document according to University of Waterloo protocols
• Define and implement laboratory best management practices

• Minimum M.Sc. degree in earth sciences, chemistry, biology, or related discipline
• Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position
• Five years of related industry or research experience
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory management skills including problem solving, QA/QC practices, data management, budget management, invoicing, and supply management
• Demonstrated experience with a range of techniques in geochemical analysis of aqueous, gaseous, and solid-phase samples
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of a wide range of analytical equipment including ion and gas chromatographs, uv/vis and inductively coupled optical emission spectrometers, inductively coupled mass spectrometers, and gas chromatograph/liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers
• Demonstrated ability to critically review existing methods and research and develop new laboratory methods, procedures, and standards
• Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems
• Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision
• Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills Ability to work effectively both independently and in team settings
• Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases as well as analytical equipment specific software
• Ability to conduct comprehensive laboratory sampling programs safely and efficiently for environmental samples at mine sites, industrial sites, and agricultural sites
• Ability to administer, organize, and lead training workshops and programs
• Experience with database or laboratory information management system software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Chromeleon, Galaxy, ChemStation)

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 co-ordinated 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+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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 at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.