University of Waterloo: Lab Technician, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

 

Overview

Oversees and provides support for the day-to-day operation of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) core facility in Chemistry which houses and supports multiple spectrometers. The NMR facility provides analytical research services, technical and scientific advice to both academic and industrial communities. The Lab Technician, NMR, manages the operation and maintenance of the facility which houses some very valuable and sensitive scientific equipment. The role interacts and supports users (faculty, staff and students) as well as some external users from Velocity and Nicoya Life to assess experimental needs and troubleshoot technical issues. The Lab Technician, NMR is accountable to the Department Chair of Chemistry for administrative and technical issues in the facility.

Responsibilities

NMR Facility Support

• Maintain and safely operate NMR equipment under the jurisdiction of the Department of Chemistry NMR committee
• Run samples on 4 NMR spectrometers in Chemistry
• Solve complex technical problems with the equipment which could include software, hardware or experimental set-ups
• Manage FACES on-line booking system to schedule appointments and coordinate instrumental access to users of the facility
• Provide recommendations on service contracts and the repair of the equipment. Acquires specifications and quotes from suppliers
• Serve as the technician representative on the Department of Chemistry NMR committee
• Handle the day-to-day operation including the management and supervision of the NMR facility as well as the ordering of any supplies needed to run the equipment including liquid nitrogen and helium, etc.
• Update website content

Training

• Prepare user guides and procedures for standard operations of the equipment
• Train a number of non-specialized users on NMR facility equipment which includes approximately 50 students per year plus faculty and staff from across campus. Each NMR user must receive extensive training before access to the equipment can be granted. Also provides technical support during the use of equipment after training has occurred
• Instruct groups with varying degrees of requirements, providing individualized training as necessary
• Provide each user with safety training for working around strong magnetic fields

NMR Facility Maintenance Work

• Maintains superconducting magnets. This includes scheduling cryogen deliveries, weekly liquid nitrogen fills and liquid helium fills every two months
• Run periodic performance checks on the Chemistry NMR spectrometers as a requirement of compliance and to ensure all of the instruments are maintained at peak performance
• Use sound judgement for preliminary diagnosis of electronic malfunctions and minor repairs

Safety

• Responsible for safety in the laboratory, ensuring that procedures with regard to high magnetic fields and safe handling of chemicals are in place
• Maintain personal certifications as required by the Safety Office
• Update posted safety procedures including WHMIS, hazardous waste disposal etc. so that they are current
• Maintain equipment certifications and the associated records
• Prepare and maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Maintain first aid kits
• Complete monthly safety inspections using Safely and report unsatisfactory reports to the Department and Safety Office as required
• Ensure adherence to Health and Safety guidelines by all users

Other

• Serve as a technical resource person for faculty, research associates, PDFs, and students in the development of their research projects
• Help undergrad lab, trouble-shooting problems with IR spectrometers
• Provide advice and assistance to users/customers and resolve complex problems
• Assist CHEM 494 students with sample analysis for their seminar project
• In collaboration with the Department Financial Officer and Administrative Officer, provides input into the annual operating budget needed to operate the facility
• Establish pricing policy for the services provided by the facility with approval from the NMR Committee
• Responsible to submit the monthly internal charges to the Department Financial Officer for processing and to invoice external clients for all worked done in the facility

Qualifications

• MSc in Science is required
• At least 5 years’ experience in working with NMR equipment. Must be highly trained and knowledgeable in NMR experimentation and able to perform detailed analysis of data
• Solution NMR Spectroscopy
• Strong understanding of NMR will help with the ability to advise students on data analysis
• Working knowledge and trained in providing magnet cryogen fills using liquid nitrogen and helium is essential. Knowledge of safety procedures for equipment is required
• Proven ability to use to operate and trouble shoot computers and highly sensitive scientific magnets is essential
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Incumbent must also complete all required safety training modules as per Safety Office Regulations (e.g., WHMIS, Laboratory Safety, Employee Safety Training, Workplace Violence Awareness Program, and HRs Accessibility module)
• Some (e.g. over Christmas break) holiday hours are required for the nitrogen fills to keep the NMR equipment operationa

Vaccination Requirement Statement

Effective May 1, 2022, the University suspended its Vaccination Requirement. Prior to May 1, pursuant to this Requirement, all University employees were required to submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (subject to the University’s obligations under the Human Rights Code to accommodate employees who were unable to receive a vaccination). The University’s Vaccination Requirement website can be found here: https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/return/vaccination-requirement.   

 

The pandemic is ongoing and public health advice continues to evolve. Accordingly, the University reserves the absolute right to reinstate the Vaccination Requirement on short notice, and upon such reinstatement you will be required to comply. You shall also be required to comply with any new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University from time to time, including new policies/requirements related to mandatory employee vaccination. As the University may need to reinstate the Requirement on short notice, it will continue to collect and maintain up-to-date information on employee vaccination status. Please submit your Covid-19 vaccine status (QR code) to: https://checkin.uwaterloo.ca/   

 

 

Failure to comply with the Vaccination Requirement if it is reinstated, including failure to comply with any future amendments to the Vaccination Requirement, or failure to comply with new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University, including those related to new mandatory employee vaccination, shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.

 

The requirement to be vaccinated, if reinstated, will be subject to the duty to accommodate pursuant to the Human Rights Code. If you are unable to be vaccinated for reasons related to a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written request for accommodation with an explanation of the reasons and/or any supporting documentation. If you request accommodation, the University may follow up with you for further information if necessary.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

 

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

 

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.