At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID:

2025-00699

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Laboratory Support

Employment Type:

Temporary

Department:

Faculty of Science - Earth and Environmental Sciences - Ground Water Geochemistry and Remediation

Hiring Range:

$55,062.53 - $68,828.17

Posting Information:

Term: 2 years
This role is being offered as an internal secondment or an external contract.
Internal deadline to apply is October 30, 2025, at 11:59pm.

Job Description:

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