Laboratory Technician - Chemistry at Concordia University of Edmonton

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders and citizens for the common good.

CUE campus is situated on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton’s historic Highlands neighborhood. Supporting a student body of over 3,000, we are known for our small class sizes and our excellence in teaching. Our small classes and diverse student population provide an excellent opportunity for engaging with students in a sustained and nurturing way unique within the Canadian university system. CUE is an institution that values research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and management. Our vision is to become Canada’s preeminent small university.

CUE is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for work, study, and living. We actively promote dignity for all, rejecting action and language that are harmful to mutual respect.

Reporting to the Lab and Field Safety Manager, the Lab Technician is a part of the team in the Core Services Unit in the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). This position is part of a team that is responsible for the execution of the Core Services portfolio, which includes the maintenance of CUE’s laboratory facilities, core equipment, and technical services for teaching activities. The position plays an important role in the safety of all participants in laboratory and field teaching and research activities and setting up laboratory materials, equipment, etc. required for the instructional laboratory classes offered by the various departments in the Faculty of Science. The Laboratory Technician ensures all laboratory spaces are clean and organised, and orders materials as required. Maintenance and regular updates of inventories for lab materials and equipment are also required. The Lab Technician further supports the Lab and Field Safety Manager in other relevant duties, as required.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the set-up of laboratory classrooms with the required resources, materials, reagents, etc. needed for instructional lab exercises for the various courses offered in the Faculty of Science, by working and collaborating with department stakeholders (i.e.: faculty, lab instructors, etc.).
• Responsible for the preparation of various reagents, as well as performing tasks related to the various courses offered in the Faculty of Science, with a focus on those related to chemistry (organic, analytical, etc.).
• Responsible for the operation of equipment, scientific instruments, and tools in the laboratories (including the development of user guides for the equipment), including HPLC, GC-FID, GC-ECD, GC/MS, LC, NMR, water filtration, pH meter, among several others.
• Responsible for routine maintenance and calibration of all equipment, scientific instruments, and tools, handling of compressed gases, managing servicing requests, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain an inventory of all equipment using for teaching and research on campus.
• Contribute to the inventory management of all chemicals and other lab-related materials, including stocking routine inventory items, obtaining quotes, and inventory tracking on databases (spreadsheets).
• Responsible for the proper storage of materials.
• Responsible for performing housekeeping duties such as cleaning, organizing and restocking laboratory facilities as needed, autoclaving glassware, solutions, laboratory reagents, and other materials as needed, as well as waste removal, and the safe disposal of all hazardous material.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations related to the safe handling and use of chemicals, biohazards, and radiation material.
• Enforce lab safety standards and protocols across all disciplines.
• Support the Manager, Lab and Field Safety in the development and delivery of lab, field, and environment safety orientation and training programs, appropriate to the role (i.e.: student, technician, researcher, custodial staff, contractors, etc.) and in compliance with appropriate regulations.
• Contribute to the development and updating of SOPs.
• Support and conduct inspections of CUE’s laboratory infrastructure (i.e.: emergency shower(s), eyewash equipment, biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, spill kits, and first aid kits).
• Respond to emergency situations and follows lab- and field-specific procedures related to emergency situations.
• Maintain aptitude in areas of expertise and seeks professional development, as needed.
• Perform other duties, as required.

Requirements:

• A degree (MSc preferred) in organic or analytical chemistry is required.
• Five or more years of related professional experience as a lab technician in a post-secondary institution is required.
• Experience with calibrating laboratory and other equipment, scientific instruments, and tools (i.e. HPLC, GC-FID, GC-ECD, GC/MS, LC, NMR, water filtration, pH meter), as well as performing routine maintenance is required.
• Knowledge of a containment Level 2 laboratory setting and associated procedural requirements is an asset.
• Working Knowledge and practical experience in WHIMIS, first aid and health, safety, and environment (HSE) practices in teaching and research laboratories is required.
• Knowledge of regulations and applicable legislation for chemical safety, biosafety, and radiation safety is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google based platforms is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required.

Working Conditions:

• This position involves approximately 80% physical work and 20% sedentary activities.
• May be required to visit field sites on occasion.
• Can be physically demanding, able to lift 50 lbs.
• May be exposed to biohazardous materials.
• Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary.
• Will be required to walk indoors and out-doors on even and uneven surfaces.
• Long periods of sitting and monitor usage.

Closing Date: Application review will commence on January 5, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Please direct all questions and inquiries to Human Resources at Concordia University of Edmonton [email protected].

Concordia University of Edmonton encourages applications from members of racialized groups, visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and others who may support a diversity of perspectives at CUE. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.