This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status. This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA). In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $63,465 - $87,276. This position has an END DATE of September 30, 2030. Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton. Position Summary This position supports the development of the Integrated Geobiology Research Facility (IGRF) at the University of Alberta, a core facility that will house instrumentation critical to studying a wide range of natural materials such as soils, sediments, water, microbes, and rocks. The field of geobiology which aims to understand the complex interactions between our physical environment and life now and in the geologic past - is poised to answer some of the most pressing questions we face. The IGRF aims to tackle scientific problems with societal impacts, including (1) understanding the co-evolution of the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, (2) measuring and predicting the response of these Earth systems to global change, and (3) investigating unconventional sources of metals and elements essential to the renewable energy transition. The IGRF will be one of only a few geobiology core facilities in the world and will facilitate the ongoing training of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at the University of Alberta and visiting scientists from around the world. The IGRF Lab Manager will report directly to the IGRF supervisor and serve as the liaison between faculty, research associates and graduate students from outside and within the university, other institutions and industry. The IGRF Lab Manager will assist with its design and development and coordinate the specification, purchasing, installation and calibration of equipment required for its effective operation. During the construction phase of the lab, the IGRF Lab Manager will serve as the representative in meetings with project managers from University Facilities and Operations, as well as vendors installing equipment. In collaboration with the IRGF Supervisor, the manager will develop training protocols for users of the facility. The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement. Laboratory Development & Facility Setup Coordinates the design, development, and setup of the Integrated Geobiology Research Facility, including construction-phase interactions with Facilities & Operations. Oversees specification, purchasing, installation, calibration, and verification of laboratory instrumentation. Research Support & Method Development Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, hazard assessments, inspection reports, and analytical methods. Ensures quality control, data integrity, and consistent application of scientific standards across all workflows. Instrumentation Operation & Maintenance Operates and maintains analytical instruments such as ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, GC-MS, Zetasizer, Sedigraph, XRF Spectrometer, X-ray imager, Digestion Microwave, and related systems. Oversees routine and advanced maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance verification of equipment. Training & User Support Trains and supervises lab users, including graduate students, visiting researchers, and postdoctoral fellows, on laboratory procedures, instrumentation, and safety. Provides guidance on analytical methods, sample preparation, and interpretation of data outputs. Laboratory Operations & Compliance Manages day-to-day laboratory operations, including scheduling, hazardous material handling, equipment upkeep, and adherence to safety standards. Interfaces with faculty, external researchers, vendors, and project teams to ensure smooth facility operations and support evolving research needs. PhD in Earth Sciences or a related discipline, with expertise in geobiology, geochemistry, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. Experience operating, maintaining, and calibrating complex analytical instrumentation. Knowledge in the preparation and analysis of natural materials for bulk, trace, and isotopic composition. Knowledge and experience in sample flow through a laboratory for their physical, biological and geochemical characterizations. Proficiency with geochemical proxies and their application to Earth system processes. Knowledge and experience working with metals deemed critical to the renewable energy transition. Strong understanding of laboratory safety requirements, including safe handling and use of strong and/or hazardous acids (e.g., Hydrofluoric acid, Aqua Regia, Caro''s Acid). Demonstrated ability in method development, data interpretation, and statistical analysis. Strong mechanical background with the ability to construct experimental setups. Ability and experience training and mentoring students and researchers with varying levels of technical experience. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to network and build professional relationships within academics and industry. Application Instructions Click ''Apply Now'' to submit your cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please provide a brief overview of your primary areas of academic or research expertise, highlighting specific topics, populations, methods, or approaches that define your work. Be sure to include your analytical and experimental experience. The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Mtis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its formsphysical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Mtis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L''Universit de l''Alberta s''engage crer une communaut universitaire o chaque personne se sent valorise, o les obstacles la russite sont limins et o des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se dvelopper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifies. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premires nations, Mtis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapes; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identit et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer la diversification des ides et l''universit postuler.
Job Title
Integrated Geobiology Research Facility Lead