Research Laboratory Coordinator

Description:

RESEARCH LABORATORY COORDINATOR II

SEM-MLA Laboratory CREAIT Network

Research Initiatives & Services (RIS)

(Contractual Position to March 31, 2027)

The University will consider applications from qualified permanent staff who may be interested in a secondment, subject to departmental approval.

BACKGROUND

The CREAIT (Core Research Equipment and Instrument Training) Network maintains and operates thematic clusters of scientific research instrumentation in a variety of multi-user core facilities at Memorial University Using techniques and instrumentation such as SEM-MLA, SIMS, LA-ICP-MS and ICP-OES, the Micro Analysis Facility (MAF) of CREAIT specializes in high-resolution imaging, in-situ microbeam chemical analysis, and age dating of minerals and other materials such as environmental and archaeological samples,. MAF has ongoing research and development projects on ore characterization for metallurgy and advanced mineral exploration, but aims to support a wide range of research disciplines throughout the university and beyond.

DUTIES

Reporting to the Manager of Operations for the CREAIT Network, the successful applicant will be responsible for facility operations and research support services in CREAIT's SEM-MLA laboratory. The RLC II will carry out facility management and technical work in the day-to-day operation of a FEI Quanta 400 SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and a FEI Quanta 650 FEG SEM, each equipped with Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) software. Duties include: operation and management of these and related instruments; data interpretation and preparation of reports for internal and external users; maintaining instruments at optimal performance levels; troubleshooting / repair of instrumentation; training and oversight of students and other users in a multi-user research facility; reviewing submitted manuscrpi ts and research proposals; advising and assisting in grant preparations to secure funds for purchases of new and replacement instrumentation; tracking instrument usage; and other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Experience (5-7 years) of progressive responsibility in a research development and support role in a SEM MLA Laboratory is required. The position requires extensive knowledge of SEMs; a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a relevant discipline ; formal training on FEI xT user interface, FEI MLA, Bruker EDX and Oxford EBSD (Electron backscattered electron diffraction); or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Experience is also required in managing a multi-user research support facility across a variety of functional disciplines, operation and repair of laboratory instrumentation, and laboratory techniques and scientific experimentation. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and show attention to detail, as well as displaying creativity, resourcefulness, and innovation in carrying out their duties and problem-solving as required. This position requires exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills as well as an ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous project activities. Experience with Memorial's procurement policy and procedures are assets.