*EXPIRED* Hiring Ecotoxicology Research Technician - Kidd Lab

Formal Position Title: Research Assistant IVB - Department of Biology

Term: Six-month term, with possibility for extension

Hours: 37.5 hours/week, on-site at McMaster University

Salary range: $27- $35 (hourly), contingent on experience

Start date: as soon as possible

Education requirements: BSc in Biology or related field and 2 years related experience

Applications: Please send your CV, a brief statement of interest, and the names and contact information of two references to Dr. Karen Kidd, karenkidd@mcmaster.ca. The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.

Overview

We are hiring an individual to work in an aquatic ecotoxicology lab at McMaster University with Dr. Karen Kidd and her group to study the effects of point and non-point sources of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems.  This position requires specialized knowledge of and skills in aquatic sciences research to support multi-year ecotoxicology research with university and government partners. Coordination and delivery of the specifics of these programs requires someone with a diverse mix of expertise - a combination of specialized processing and analyses of biological samples collected from rivers and lakes, biological data analyses and modeling, and aquatic field work with occasional trips to local and remote locations to collect biological samples. 

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Organizing and managing regional field projects including logistics, equipment, and sample collection

• Field work to collect benthic macroinvertebrates, fishes, water quality samples

• Assisting with the preparation, set-up, maintenance, and collection of data from field-based experiments

• Lab processing of biological samples for chemical analyses

• Collection and quality assurance of data, database management 

• Data entry and management to ensure comparable data across sites, times and projects

• Management of project databases and assist with summaries and preliminary analyses of data

• Ensuring proper calibration, operation, and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment

• Refining and implementing field and lab SOPs in consultation with Dr. Kidd

• Maintaining supply and sample inventories

• Overseeing employee safety training, as well as lab compliance with McMaster requirements for environmental health and safety

• Using standard methods to perform a variety of analyses ranging from physical and chemical characterization of water samples, to analysis and identification of biological samples of algae and invertebrates

More information about current research projects can be found at www.karenkiddlab.com

Requirements

The requirements for this position include, but are not limited to:

• A BSc in Biology (preferably specializing in aquatic ecology or aquatic ecotoxicology) from a recognized University

• Two years of relevant experience

• A resident of Canada

• Ability to be on the McMaster campus full-time

• Knowledge of ecological and/or ecotoxicological principles

• Experience conducting field work on streams, rivers or lakes

• Working knowledge of macroinvertebrate taxa and/or fish sampling

• Experience with microscopes

• Valid driver’s license

• Strong working knowledge of statistical modeling and graphing, experience with R is an asset

• Enjoy working outdoors 

• Ability to work in remote field environments

• Highly motivated and accountable 

• An effective communicator (written and oral)

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently 

Assets

• an MSc in a relevant field

• experience communicating science to diverse audiences through reports, presentations, manuscripts, etc.

• demonstrated abilities to manage projects

• demonstrated abilities to coordinate and conduct field work safely and competently in remote locations. 

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

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