Oil Sands Research Technologist

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please indicate your internal status using the "Advertisement" drop down menu when applying.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page .

Location: This is an in-person role and work primarily based at North Campus Edmonton. 

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Department/Faculty Summary

Engineering at Alberta is top 5 Engineering school in Canada. The Faculty of Engineering is home to large-scale, long-term collaborative research programs, and is a leading participant in broad initiatives that draw expertise from across the University of Alberta campus and around the globe. It is a home to the Institute for Oil Sands Innovation (IOSI) which is built on the partnership between the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering, Imperial oil Ltd. and Alberta Innovates. IOSI’s mission is to promote, build capacities, and fund research with commercialization potential that leads to environmentally, economically, and socially responsible development of Canada’s mineable oil sands resources, with a focus on the training of highly-qualified workforce for tomorrow.

Position Summary

Reporting to the IOSI Laboratory Supervisor, the Oil Sands Research Technologist will be working with IOSI researchers to develop research methods and design experiments and analyses related to oil sands and tailings characterization and treatment. Major activities are related to the design of research methods, training users on equipment and methods in the research laboratories with projects carried out by approximately 60 users, maintaining modifying as needed and troubleshooting the equipment. The role also provides testing services for external clients from outside of IOSI.

Duties

Design of research methods in oil sands research – 50%

• Develop research methods and design experiments and analyses related to oil sands and tailings characterization and treatment.
• Guide, train, supervise and assist researchers in projects and analysis of samples.
• Research literature and contact relevant companies and research groups regarding new procedures in oil sands research.
• Use chemical engineering software and calculations to ensure safe reactor working conditions in student experiments.
• Brainstorm ideas and solutions to research setbacks with IOSI researchers.

Construction, implementation and testing of research equipment - 50%

Attend to the needs of IOSI research projects including construction of equipment as needed, and the implementation of new laboratory equipment. Responsibilities include the following:

• Procurement of parts and supplies for current equipment and related materials.
• Testing and calibration of equipment
• Repairing and troubleshooting equipment issues.
• Training students in equipment operation and research procedures.
• Perform sample preparation and laboratory analysis according to approved Standard Operating Procedures and in concern with safety regulations.
• Assists in site preparation for equipment installation and attends onsite initial training sessions provided by vendors. 
• Preparation of standard operating procedures (SOP) of equipment operations and trains users in accordance with SOP.
• Responsible for all software maintenance.
• Prepare sample methods, calibrate, and troubleshoot analyses issues on gas spectrometers with flame ionization detectors and mass spectrometers.
• Attend specialized training courses outside of the University to update knowledge on analytical techniques and new equipment possibly of interest to the IOSI group. 
• Purchase laboratory supplies, equipment under $5,000
• Keep current inventory of chemicals and equipment in IOSI’s possession.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (B.Sc.) in chemistry, chemical or materials engineering or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in an analytical laboratory and materials’ characterization.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in research methods development in oil sands.
• Demonstrated knowledge of operational procedures for research laboratories.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interpersonal skills are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• A relevant Master’s degree is an asset.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.