Chemist

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is the world’s freshwater laboratory. A series of 58 lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada, IISD-ELA is the only place in the world where scientists can research on and manipulate real lakes to build a more accurate and complete picture of what human activity is doing to freshwater lakes. The findings from over 50 years of ground-breaking research have rewritten environmental policy around the world—from mitigating algal blooms to reducing how much mercury gets into our waterways—and aim to keep fresh water clean around the world for generations to come. 

IISD-ELA is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg situated on Treaty 1 Territory—the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininiw (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe Cree), Dene, and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation. The IISD-ELA field station is situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 3 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. 

Specific

The IISD-ELA Chemistry Program operates an Analytical Service Laboratory that provides chemical data on aquatic samples to various research programs. Under the direction of the IISD-ELA Senior Research Chemist, the Chemist will be responsible for training students and assisting with the analysis of chemical constituents in aquatic samples from IISD-ELA. The Chemist will operate, calibrate, and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment, verify that all data meet quality control requirements, and ensure the accurate and timely entry of data into the Laboratory Information Management System. The Chemist will work with other technical staff at the IISD-ELA to ensure research and facility operations are conducted and completed efficiently.

 

In particular, the Chemist will be responsible for:

• Assisting with the analysis of samples from IISD-ELA lakes, streams, and precipitation, including
  • Preparation and analysis of samples for nutrients, ions, and other aquatic analytes using auto analyzers, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, chromatographs, and various analytical devices.
  • Entering data into databases (LIMS, Microsoft Excel, Access, etc.).
  • Assisting with the collection of samples in the field.
  • Performing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols to ensure the quality of IISD-ELA data.
• Supervising and training students.
• Managing hazardous waste and hazardous waste disposal.
• Communicating and interacting with IISD-ELA staff, collaborators, and the public to provide specific advice and general education about environmental issues.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree from a recognized university in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or other related field.
• Experience with and knowledge of methods for the analysis of nutrients, ions, and other aquatic analytes found in fresh waters.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and software.
• Experience collecting or working with water chemistry data from lakes and streams.
• Experience working in an analytical laboratory using QA/QC protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, and method validation procedures.

• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems.
• Experience supervising assistants, delegating tasks, and ensuring the quality and integrity of data.
• Experience operating small-motorized vessels with an outboard motor is an asset.
• Proficiency with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Access, Excel, R, etc.).
• Knowledge of safety issues and procedures used in an analytical laboratory.

• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain equipment and instrumentation in good working order and troubleshoot non-conforming performance.
• Ability to organize laboratory workload.

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Physical ability to carry 20 kgs of field equipment over 300–500 m portage trails.

• Must be willing to work long hours in diverse weather conditions.
• Must be willing to live in shared accommodations, and to share cooking responsibilities with co-workers as required.
• Must possess valid:
  • First Aid/CPR certificate
  • Pleasure Craft Operators Card
  • Driver’s licence
• Valid ATV certification is an asset.

Work Conditions 

IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food while working at the remote research facility. Acc