Duties:
The Department of Chemistry is looking for a full-time Lab Technician with an interest in contributing to a growing department at a special purpose teaching university. We invite applications with direct laboratory experience including maintenance and service of instrumentation in a modern teaching environment. The successful candidate will be a good communicator, able to contribute to a respectful, collegial and collaborative environment, participate in public outreach activities, and demonstrate a commitment to professional development and training, as needed. Duties include, maintaining good lab practices, promoting health and safety, chemical inventory, assisting in the development of new teaching labs, ensuring that all equipment is functioning, and instructing/supervising students in the proper use of instrumentation in the lab. Vancouver Island University is located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, which provides access to world-class recreational opportunities and research field sites, such as the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve, and the Pacific Biological Station. VIU is committed to diversity as one of its core values and seeks applicants that support equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Specific Job Responsibilities: 1. Assisting in the instruction of laboratory techniques, the use of instruments and lab-based problems. 2. Working with instructional faculty to develop, test and improve new lab experiments and update laboratory manuals. 3. Assisting with the evaluation of students in the lab with regard to techniques and knowledge of safety. 4. Maintenance of a safe working environment with respect to handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. 5. Preparing solutions and materials required for laboratory classes. Physical set-up and tear down of experiments in teaching lab spaces. 6. Maintaining, submitting and monitoring the status of department purchase orders. 7. Equipment/instrumentation repair and maintenance, data management and processing used in the teaching labs. 8. Maintaining electronic resources including Safety Data Sheets, reference materials, instructional supplies, equipment manuals, and supply catalogs. 9. Maintenance and instruction of Good Laboratory Management Practices, including maintaining a clean and organized learning and work environment in Chemistry preparation areas, teaching labs and instrument rooms. 10. Assisting students and instructors in obtaining course materials. 11. Supervising practicum students and student laboratory assistants. 12. The ability to work independently and over a variety of shifts, including evenings, as necessary.
Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.
Required Qualifications:
B.Sc. in Chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution including 2 years of additional laboratory experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
M.Sc. in Chemistry, experience with health and safety, information technology, public outreach, teaching assistant, and/or industry.
Note:
- Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
- All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
- Vancouver Island University embraces the principle of employment equity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and people of Aboriginal descent.
