Summer Technical Assistant – BioXAS and SXRMB Beamlines
About the role
The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan. CLS produces very bright light to explore the nature and structure of molecules, and serves national and international users from academia, industry, and government institutions.
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is seeking a summer student to support the development of a bio-relevant X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) standards library. This project involves preparing and characterizing standards that combine biologically important transition elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) with abundant elements (Ca, P, S) to advance research in biological tissue analysis. The student will gain hands-on experience at the BioXAS and SXRMB beamlines, perform measurements, and collaborate with beamline scientists on XANES and EXAFS data analysis. This position offers a unique opportunity to learn beamline operations, data collection techniques, and scientific reporting while contributing to a resource that will benefit future synchrotron-based studies.
Reporting to the Scientist (Bio/Life Sciences), this position will be a full-time summer position starting on Friday, May 1st, and concluding on Friday, August 28th, or as discussed with the direct supervisor.
Representative Duties:
- Conduct a literature review of standards used for biological tissue XAS measurements.
- Prepare bio-relevant standards combining transition elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) and biologically abundant elements (Ca, P, S).
- Perform measurements of prepared standards at the BioXAS and SXRMB beamlines.
- Collaborate with beamline scientists on XANES data analysis.
- Gain exposure to key concepts for EXAFS analysis.
- Learn XAS beamline operations and data collection techniques.
- Assist in scientific report writing based on experimental results.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Chemistry or Biochemistry and will be returning to school in the fall semester.
- Ideally the candidate would be in at least their third year of study, although that is not required.
- Experience or courses in biological sciences would be considered an asset
- Experience working in a chemical or biochemistry laboratory environment synthesizing chemical compounds and following safety protocols would be considered an asset.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to conduct literature reviews and communicate scientific information effectively.
- Good written and verbal communication skills for documenting procedures and contributing to scientific reports.
**Remuneration:**Hourly rate is dependent upon current year of study (1st Year: $17.75/hr., 2nd Year: 18.43/hr., 3rd Year: $19.46/hr., 4th Year: 20.48/hr., 5th year: $21.50/hr., Graduate Student: $22.65/hr.).
**To Apply:**Submit a resume and cover letter along with references, in confidence, online at www.lightsource.ca/careers. Applications will be considered as of January 11, 2026. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is an equal opportunities employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications. One of our values is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we strive to create a workforce that reflects our users and the community in which we live. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and we hope you will choose CLSI as your employer of choice. If you have any questions or concerns about accessible employment at CLSI, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through our recruitment process, please contact us at jobs@lightsource.ca*.*
About CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE INC.
The Canadian Light Source is the only synchrotron in Canada and one of the largest scientific infrastructure investments in our country’s history.
Since the start of operations, in 2005, CLS has enabled over 5,000 scientists from 56 Canadian academic institutions and 45 countries, to publish over 6,000 scientific papers, highlighting discoveries in a wide variety of fields, in over 1,000 international scientific collaborations.
From helping in the fight against COVID-19 to creating new cancer-fighting drugs, developing more nutritious and climate-resistant crops and supporting clean-tech and green mining processes, CLS’s infrastructure and experts help researchers solve problems, train the next generation of scientists, and support industries to become more efficient and sustainable.
CLS employs more than 250 people including scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative and business personnel.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan fund our operations.
Summer Technical Assistant – BioXAS and SXRMB Beamlines
About the role
The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan. CLS produces very bright light to explore the nature and structure of molecules, and serves national and international users from academia, industry, and government institutions.
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is seeking a summer student to support the development of a bio-relevant X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) standards library. This project involves preparing and characterizing standards that combine biologically important transition elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) with abundant elements (Ca, P, S) to advance research in biological tissue analysis. The student will gain hands-on experience at the BioXAS and SXRMB beamlines, perform measurements, and collaborate with beamline scientists on XANES and EXAFS data analysis. This position offers a unique opportunity to learn beamline operations, data collection techniques, and scientific reporting while contributing to a resource that will benefit future synchrotron-based studies.
Reporting to the Scientist (Bio/Life Sciences), this position will be a full-time summer position starting on Friday, May 1st, and concluding on Friday, August 28th, or as discussed with the direct supervisor.
Representative Duties:
- Conduct a literature review of standards used for biological tissue XAS measurements.
- Prepare bio-relevant standards combining transition elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) and biologically abundant elements (Ca, P, S).
- Perform measurements of prepared standards at the BioXAS and SXRMB beamlines.
- Collaborate with beamline scientists on XANES data analysis.
- Gain exposure to key concepts for EXAFS analysis.
- Learn XAS beamline operations and data collection techniques.
- Assist in scientific report writing based on experimental results.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Chemistry or Biochemistry and will be returning to school in the fall semester.
- Ideally the candidate would be in at least their third year of study, although that is not required.
- Experience or courses in biological sciences would be considered an asset
- Experience working in a chemical or biochemistry laboratory environment synthesizing chemical compounds and following safety protocols would be considered an asset.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to conduct literature reviews and communicate scientific information effectively.
- Good written and verbal communication skills for documenting procedures and contributing to scientific reports.
**Remuneration:**Hourly rate is dependent upon current year of study (1st Year: $17.75/hr., 2nd Year: 18.43/hr., 3rd Year: $19.46/hr., 4th Year: 20.48/hr., 5th year: $21.50/hr., Graduate Student: $22.65/hr.).
**To Apply:**Submit a resume and cover letter along with references, in confidence, online at www.lightsource.ca/careers. Applications will be considered as of January 11, 2026. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is an equal opportunities employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications. One of our values is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we strive to create a workforce that reflects our users and the community in which we live. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and we hope you will choose CLSI as your employer of choice. If you have any questions or concerns about accessible employment at CLSI, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through our recruitment process, please contact us at jobs@lightsource.ca*.*
About CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE INC.
The Canadian Light Source is the only synchrotron in Canada and one of the largest scientific infrastructure investments in our country’s history.
Since the start of operations, in 2005, CLS has enabled over 5,000 scientists from 56 Canadian academic institutions and 45 countries, to publish over 6,000 scientific papers, highlighting discoveries in a wide variety of fields, in over 1,000 international scientific collaborations.
From helping in the fight against COVID-19 to creating new cancer-fighting drugs, developing more nutritious and climate-resistant crops and supporting clean-tech and green mining processes, CLS’s infrastructure and experts help researchers solve problems, train the next generation of scientists, and support industries to become more efficient and sustainable.
CLS employs more than 250 people including scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative and business personnel.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan fund our operations.