Aquatic Toxicity Research Centre

Environmental Studies

Thunder Bay

Full-time

Contract

Overview

We are searching for a research intern broadly focused on the contaminant mercury (Hg) in the environment. This position will be supported in part with funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). The NOHFC Intern will work in the Lakehead University Environmental Laboratory (LUEL) and the adjacent Aquatic Toxicology Research Centre (ATRC). The internship will be aligned with research of the LUEL and ATRC directors (Drs. Nathan Basiliko and Michael Rennie) and their externally funded research programs at Lakehead. LUEL and ATRC are ISO-accredited analytical facilities supporting: 1) Research and education at Lakehead, 2) R&D and environmental compliance for the regional private, governmental, and not for profit sectors, and regional First Nations. The position will focus on mercury (Hg) as a critical contaminant in NW Ontario watersheds. Drs. Basiliko and Rennie are global experts in environmental microbiology, ecosystem health, and contaminants in interconnected boreal environments. They also work closely with non- university research partners in Northern Ontario and beyond. LUEL and ATRC share a full-time manager and employ both full-time and part- time analysts and support technicians, who will also support on-the-job technical research training for the intern.

Responsibilities

• Research planning
• Sample preparation (chemical extractions, digestions, drying, sieving, etc. of soils, sediments, waters, and biological tissues)
• Use of cutting-edge analytical Brooks Rand systems for measuring total mercury and methylmercury and other complementary assays in aquatic toxicology and environmental science across the two laboratories.
• Analytical QA/QC procedures following the ISO17025 standards and other research-project specific needs.
• Data organization and analysis
• Writing and dissemination of results: contributing to peer-reviewed journal articles and reports to research partners

Qualifications

The candidate must have completed or be in the process of completing a post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, etc.). Experience and/or training in environmental or related analyses is an asset.

NOHFC requirements are as follows:

• You are a new entrant into the work force, are transitioning to a new career, or have been unemployed or underemployed and are entering a new field;
• You have not previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship;
• You are at least 18 years of age; and
• You reside, and are legally entitled to work, in Canada

This opportunity is proudly supported by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and is funded through the Workforce Development Program. More information about the program can be found here: https://nohfc.ca/public-program/workforce-development-program/

Why Lakehead University?

Application Deadline:

Monday, July 28, 2025 - 11:59am

No, not eligible for benefits

Reference Number:

GEN-25-26

Application Deadline:

Monday, July 28, 2025 - 11:59am

No, not eligible for benefits

Reference Number:

GEN-25-26