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

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Working for the Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry operates a Mass Spectrometry (MS) Service Facility that supports its extensive teaching and research programs. This shared facility is well-equipped with modern mass spectrometers and knowledgeable technical staff who can provide a wide variety of sample analysis, data interpretation, and equipment training services

Position Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Mass Spectrometry (MS) Facility Manager/Director, the Mass Spectrometry Technologist will be responsible for operating mass spectrometry and related chromatography equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatographs (HPLC) and/or gas chromatographs (GC). The incumbent of the position will be responsible for routinely calibrating, cleaning, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the equipment that they are assigned. Handling small amounts of sample material with due care is required. The incumbent is required to properly archive data and update records. The incumbent must keep current with the literature in the related field. They will be required to train graduate students, post-doctoral fellows or research associates in the operation of some of the mass spectrometry equipment and supervise them during its use. The person employed in this position must be physically able to occasionally lift heavy vacuum pumps, move gas cylinders, large cryogen dewars, and other heavy equipment as required.

• Operates the mass spectrometry/chromatography equipment including LCMS, GCMS, flow-injection, direct-insertion. May be required to operate several instruments per day and often more than one simultaneously. The facility currently houses twelve mass spectrometers.

• Mass spectrometry sample ionisation techniques include: electron ionisation, chemical ionisation, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation, electrospray ionization and any new technique used within the facility. Incumbent will operate using these techniques and be able to teach these techniques to others.

• Identifies faults and repairs them before data quality is compromised. This involves troubleshooting problems with computer hardware and software, instrument electronic circuitry, mechanical systems, and vacuum components.

• Tracks the sensitivity and accuracy of the mass spectrometer over the long-term noting any changes that would require maintenance.

• Checks the efficiency and performance of chromatography equipment with the use of standard compounds and blank injections, noting any changes that would require maintenance.

• Discusses spectral results with customers and assists in data interpretation and analysis.

• Explains and recommends the mass spectrometric technique(s) that would be most appropriate for samples submitted to the MS Facility for analysis.

• Trains students, postdoctoral fellows or research associates how to use some of the equipment in the laboratory. Assists them with problems that they may encounter while using the equipment.

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree (BSc) is required; a BSc with a major in Analytical Chemistry is preferred

• Three years of hands-on work experience operating and maintaining mass spectrometry equipment and accompanying separation equipment, such as GC and HPLC, for both organic chemistry and biological source samples is required

• Professional development and training in analytical chemistry and the handling of very small amounts of sample is a necessity

Preferred Qualifications

• WHMIS, Lab Safety, and CPR & Standard First Aid certification is an asset
• Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive applications
• Strong working knowledge of database systems
• Experience in performing web-based and library searches for research purposes
• Exceptional time management, organizational, and multi-tasking skills
• Communication, interpersonal, and cultural sensitivity skills are essential
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills