Position Overview

The Department of Geoscience in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Laboratory Manager. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, this position will play a leading role in research being conducted at the Calgary Geo- and Thermochronology Lab, a world-class U-Pb and U-Th-Sm/He research laboratory. The Laboratory Manager directs laboratory components of research programs, develops and implements new measurement methods, mentors researchers in laboratory methods and techniques, manages the day-to-day operations of the laboratory and communicates with principal investigators at the University of Calgary and a variety of other academic, governmental and non-governmental research institutions.

This position works 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, but on occasion there may be the need to work outside of regular hours. The incumbent will require flexibility in working hours (start/end times) to address research needs of the laboratory.

Position Description

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

• Day to day calibration, maintenance and continued development of analytical procedures in areas such as, but not limited to, laser ablation sampling and inductively coupled mass spectrometry of a range of earth materials, with a focus on in situ analyses on existing (e.g. apatite and zircon), as well as newly developed geochronometers and thermochronometers
• Day to day safety issues in the laboratory and the administration of the facility, including ensuring the continued running and performance of the instrumentation, together with service and user scheduling
• Supervision of staff, monitoring, planning, and organizing activities of others
• Assist with plans and designs for specialized applications to meet the needs of operations, research, and services
• Budget involvement including developing reports, tracking expenses, and reconciliation of accounts
• Participate in the design and development of precision equipment and processes
• Recommend changes to methods, procedures, and practices within the lab
• Develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research
• Conduct literature review, surveys, data analysis and interpretation, laboratory experiments and other research for use in scholarly publications
• Oversee reliable and safe operation of all laboratory equipment for various users, including stocking of all necessary materials and supplies
• Train and supervise other staff, students, and faculty in the operation of equipment and laboratory protocols
• Establish and maintain effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, immediate supervisor and senior management and with the campus community

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A MSc in Geoscience with a focus on geochronological and/or thermochronological method development is required
• A minimum of 2 years experience in a geo- or thermochronology research laboratory or similar laboratory environment that includes ICP-MS and/or laser systems is required
• Demonstrated effective communication (written and verbal) and problem-solving skills
• Evidence of the ability to teach and mentor students in laboratory methods
• Hands-on experience with U-Pb or/and U-Th-Sm/He dating methods would be an asset

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled; however, applicants will be reviewed as they are received.

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 Technical 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. 

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.