Position Overview

The Anthropology and Archaeology Team in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Lab Coordinator. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Lab Coordinator reports to the Principle Investigator and works in a laboratory setting overseeing the day-to-day operations and cleaning of the lab facility. The laboratory supports the PI's research on the African Stone Age, investigating how climate change and paleo environmental conditions influenced hominid dietary behaviour and stone tool use, and how these factors act as key drivers in human evolutionary research. This position works closely with the PI and the project team members. It is critical that the incumbent has the ability to follow specific directions and established research protocols in palaeoenvironmental analysis.

This research group promotes collaboration within the project, and encourages academic growth, input on experimental design, and co-authorship. Additionally, this project values diversity within the research group, both in terms of research experience and minority groups; all are encouraged to apply.

The primary purpose of this position is to oversee the day-to-day operations and cleaning of the lab facility. The Lab Coordinator executes projects and services, ordering materials and maintaining an inventory to ensure that the lab is maintained with supplies and runs functionally. This position updates procedures and makes recommendations to improve efficiency. This position maintains equipment and coordinates lab safety. The incumbent will also organize and participate in research group meetings and takes minutes.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Oversee all laboratory research projects and assignments
• Process geo-archaeological, palaeobiological, and geochemical samples following established research protocols
• Analyze and quantify microbotanical remains, such as starch and phytoliths
• Update Standard Operating Protocols, together with team members, for standardized experiments and equipment operations
• Manage and maintain lab inventories to ensure that the lab runs functionally
• Order specialized equipment and supplies
• Orientate new team members, such as students, on research procedures
• Provide support to students working in the lab
• Coordinate and manages lab safety procedures, training, and documents for all of the research team members, as well as maintaining Chematix inventory and completing annual lab inspections of the lab spaces
• Organize and implement full-laboratory cleaning events
• Arrange and participate in laboratory and research group meetings
• Coordinate field logistics, such as sampling, cargo, purchasing, and permit applications
• Assist in project administration, including accounting and preparation of documents
• Assist in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, including archiving of data, and uploading of materials to open-access repositories
• Correspond with project members, collaborators, and administrators
• Support the PI in recruitment processes for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, student hires, and interns

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Geoscience, Biology, Archaeology; or related field; or equivalent experience
• Previous experience in the processing, analysis and counting of phytoliths and/or starch is mandatory. If the candidate has experience in only one, the candidate will be required to learn the other
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a team environment with the project team, such as students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates
• Excellent time management skills including an ability to prioritize work, to work under pressure, and to meet deadlines
• Ability to analyze and make recommendations and decisions
• Ability to learn new software and experimental testing equipment and procedures
• Experience working in a lab conducting research is an asset
• Experience with University business systems and databases (e.g. PeopleSoft, Enterprise Reporting and e-Fin) is an asset

Application Deadline:  October 4, 2022

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Operational / Administrative Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Faculty of Arts.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.