Laboratory Technician (II) - Chemistry Undergrad Labs
About the role
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
Job Title
Laboratory Technician (II) - Chemistry Undergrad Labs
Job ID
70973
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
07/24/2025
Job Type
Limited Term (<12 months)
Close Date
08/06/2025
Employee Group
Interim
Favorite Job
Department
Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Contract Duration
2.7 Months
Hours per Week
12
Posting Details
Schedule
3 days per week, 4:00 PM -7:00 PM
Rotating weekly shifts:
Week 1: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Week 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Education Level
3 year College diploma in a relevant field
Career Level
Requires 2 years of relevant experience
Hourly Rate
Up to $29.19 per hour
Job Description
Department, Unit, or Project Description
The Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology is a dynamic group of staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, and 30 full-time faculty members who conduct leading-edge research and top-tier training of undergraduate and graduate students in all areas of chemistry. We boast world-class facilities and instrumentation and maintain rich collaborative relationships with many departments across campus and with various McMaster research institutes and core facilities including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the Biointerfaces Institute, the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research, and Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research. Join us and spark your imagination!
We are seeking a part-time Laboratory Technician to support our undergraduate teaching labs, with a primary focus on our large second-year organic chemistry courses. This role is essential to maintaining the smooth and safe operation of our teaching labs, ensuring students have a productive and engaging learning environment.
The successful candidate will work closely with and provide support to our full-time laboratory technicians, assisting with the preparation of materials, setup and takedown of experiments, maintenance of equipment, and general lab upkeep. This collaborative role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and enthusiastic about supporting science education.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, oversees the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories. Organizes, distributes and verifies the work of others and participates in their training. Coordinates the execution of projects and service.
Accountabilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.
- Coordinate the execution of experiments, projects and services.
- Establish priorities and ensure adherence to schedules.
- Provides technical guidance and assistance concerning work methods, the use of equipment and techniques, and the analysis of results.
- Review, test, evaluate, and modify equipment and methodology.
- Recognize and investigate apparent reasons for obvious deviations in results obtained.
- Write a variety of documents such as standard operating procedures.
- Conduct initial lab set-up in accordance with lab schedules and requirements.
- Perform pilot experiments and prepare lab demonstration materials.
- Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.
- Modify and adapt labs, as directed.
- Conduct routine and moderately complex analyses of data.
- Perform trouble-shooting during the lab period to correct issues including, but not limited to, equipment failure and contamination.
- Update and maintain detailed records of lab preparations and procedures.
- Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results.
- Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment and instruments in accordance with prescribed requirements.
- Perform minor equipment repairs and arrange for major repairs through supervisor or outside contractor.
- Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
- Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in clean, safe working order.
- Assemble and adjust tests and laboratory equipment for experiments and procedures.
- Operate, adjust, and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments.
- Schedule laboratory equipment for use.
- Prepare a variety of chemicals, solutions, sterile media, staining reagents and other materials required for the lab.
- Pipette a variety of reagents and media.
- Update, maintain, and verify inventory control of chemicals, media, and supplies.
- Monitor supplies and order inventories.
- Responsible for the proper storage of materials and the appropriate disposal of waste.
- Adhere to standardized procedures and protocols when dispensing chemicals and base media.
- Input, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
- Conduct literature searches.
Qualifications
Education: 3-year College diploma in a relevant field of study.
Experience: Requires 2 years of relevant experience
Additional Information
- This is an in-person role requiring the ability to work on-site at McMaster's main campus located at 1280 Main St. W. in Hamilton, Ontario.
- The sucessful candidate should demonstrate:
-
Strong foundation in chemistry, particularly organic chemistry
-
Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as distillation, chromatography, and ATR spectroscopy
-
Experience working in a laboratory setting, preferably in an academic environment
-
Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and procedures, and the ability to exercise judgment and manage stress in safety-sensitive situations.
-
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
-
Strong organizational and time-management skills
-
Self-direction, initiative, resourcefulness, meticulousness, and accountability
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
Commitment to safety and attention to detail
-
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.
Laboratory Technician (II) - Chemistry Undergrad Labs
About the role
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
Job Title
Laboratory Technician (II) - Chemistry Undergrad Labs
Job ID
70973
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
07/24/2025
Job Type
Limited Term (<12 months)
Close Date
08/06/2025
Employee Group
Interim
Favorite Job
Department
Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Contract Duration
2.7 Months
Hours per Week
12
Posting Details
Schedule
3 days per week, 4:00 PM -7:00 PM
Rotating weekly shifts:
Week 1: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Week 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Education Level
3 year College diploma in a relevant field
Career Level
Requires 2 years of relevant experience
Hourly Rate
Up to $29.19 per hour
Job Description
Department, Unit, or Project Description
The Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology is a dynamic group of staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, and 30 full-time faculty members who conduct leading-edge research and top-tier training of undergraduate and graduate students in all areas of chemistry. We boast world-class facilities and instrumentation and maintain rich collaborative relationships with many departments across campus and with various McMaster research institutes and core facilities including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the Biointerfaces Institute, the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research, and Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research. Join us and spark your imagination!
We are seeking a part-time Laboratory Technician to support our undergraduate teaching labs, with a primary focus on our large second-year organic chemistry courses. This role is essential to maintaining the smooth and safe operation of our teaching labs, ensuring students have a productive and engaging learning environment.
The successful candidate will work closely with and provide support to our full-time laboratory technicians, assisting with the preparation of materials, setup and takedown of experiments, maintenance of equipment, and general lab upkeep. This collaborative role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and enthusiastic about supporting science education.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, oversees the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories. Organizes, distributes and verifies the work of others and participates in their training. Coordinates the execution of projects and service.
Accountabilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.
- Coordinate the execution of experiments, projects and services.
- Establish priorities and ensure adherence to schedules.
- Provides technical guidance and assistance concerning work methods, the use of equipment and techniques, and the analysis of results.
- Review, test, evaluate, and modify equipment and methodology.
- Recognize and investigate apparent reasons for obvious deviations in results obtained.
- Write a variety of documents such as standard operating procedures.
- Conduct initial lab set-up in accordance with lab schedules and requirements.
- Perform pilot experiments and prepare lab demonstration materials.
- Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.
- Modify and adapt labs, as directed.
- Conduct routine and moderately complex analyses of data.
- Perform trouble-shooting during the lab period to correct issues including, but not limited to, equipment failure and contamination.
- Update and maintain detailed records of lab preparations and procedures.
- Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results.
- Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment and instruments in accordance with prescribed requirements.
- Perform minor equipment repairs and arrange for major repairs through supervisor or outside contractor.
- Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
- Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in clean, safe working order.
- Assemble and adjust tests and laboratory equipment for experiments and procedures.
- Operate, adjust, and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments.
- Schedule laboratory equipment for use.
- Prepare a variety of chemicals, solutions, sterile media, staining reagents and other materials required for the lab.
- Pipette a variety of reagents and media.
- Update, maintain, and verify inventory control of chemicals, media, and supplies.
- Monitor supplies and order inventories.
- Responsible for the proper storage of materials and the appropriate disposal of waste.
- Adhere to standardized procedures and protocols when dispensing chemicals and base media.
- Input, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
- Conduct literature searches.
Qualifications
Education: 3-year College diploma in a relevant field of study.
Experience: Requires 2 years of relevant experience
Additional Information
- This is an in-person role requiring the ability to work on-site at McMaster's main campus located at 1280 Main St. W. in Hamilton, Ontario.
- The sucessful candidate should demonstrate:
-
Strong foundation in chemistry, particularly organic chemistry
-
Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as distillation, chromatography, and ATR spectroscopy
-
Experience working in a laboratory setting, preferably in an academic environment
-
Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and procedures, and the ability to exercise judgment and manage stress in safety-sensitive situations.
-
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
-
Strong organizational and time-management skills
-
Self-direction, initiative, resourcefulness, meticulousness, and accountability
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
Commitment to safety and attention to detail
-
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.