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

This position has a term length of 1 year from the date of hire and 3 months probation.

If you previously applied to competition# S104948912, please do not re-apply. Your previous application will be considered.

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

The Wishart lab group and the Wishart Node of The Metabolomics Innovation Center (TMIC) at the University of Alberta’s Chemistry Department is a world leader in metabolomic research. We are currently seeking a full-time research Technician specializing in mass spectrometry (MS). The successful candidate will have proven experience in analytical chemistry or a related field and must have practical experience using ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting metabolomics services to private and public sector users. The individual will execute and troubleshoot activities following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to metabolomics service work and method development in collaboration with other researchers. The individual will also update and prepare SOPs for analytical instruments and assays for supervisor’s approval.

Dr. David Wishart is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Computing Sciences at the University of Alberta. He is a highly respected scientist who operates one of the largest and best-equipped laboratories at the University of Alberta. His research facilities are situated in the Department of Biological Sciences and the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences on the University of Alberta campus. Dr. Wishart’s laboratories contain more than $10 million in cutting-edge analytical equipment including more than a half dozen high-end mass spectrometers and a fully equipped 700 MHz NMR spectrometer with a 5 mm triple resonance cryoprobe and a SampleJet autosampler. Dr. Wishart has active research programs in precision health, cancer (lung, breast), infectious diseases (COVID-19), neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s, ALS), kidney diseases, animal/livestock health, forestry research, microbiome research, food chemistry, structural biology, portable sensor systems and metabolomics technology development. He has active collaborations with more than 30 scientists around the world. Additional information about Dr. Wishart and his laboratory can be found on The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC) website at www.metabolomicscentre.ca.

Duties:

• Performs routine extractions of biological/biohazardous materials (Biosafety Level II) according to established SOPs
• Prepares specimens and samples for extraction and purification of metabolites including lipid samples according to established SOPs
• Collects data from ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS sample analysis
• Uses various software tools (Analyst, GC-Autofit) to analyze and interpret data from ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS sample analysis
• In collaboration with and under the guidance of other researchers and the supervisor, develops and validates new analytical methods
• Prepares analytical methods and SOPs for supervisor’s approvals
• Participates in group meetings and presents results of research work
• Data entry (uploads and edits information) in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Operates ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS instruments according to established SOPs
• Uses laboratory equipment (autoclave, centrifuge, sonicator etc) following SOPs and through on-the-job training
• Follows approved SOPs for sample handling and instrument use
• Prepares solutions of pure and mixed standards for calibration of ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS according to established SOPs
• Performs routine minor maintenance on ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS instruments according to established SOPs
• Maintains log of scheduled users booking time for ICP- MS, LC-MS and GC-MS instrument use
• Contributes to the maintenance of up-to-date SOPs for ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS instrument use and maintenance
• Provides instructions to new analysts on specific analytical techniques and SOPs usage

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Chemistry, Biology or related fields
• Knowledge and practical experience operating analytical instruments including ICP-MS, LC-MS, GC-MS and MS
• Experience with analytical method development and validation in metabolomics
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Closing date: We will begin considering applications immediately until the position is filled.