Research Assistant I

Job title: Research Assistant I

Job description: The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will support research activities within a agronomy/agroecology lab as well as periodic field activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, receive, process, organize and store samples for analysis. This includes sample drying, weighing, sieving, and grinding.
• Complete sample analysis (ex. soil health, soil carbon) and record keeping, checking results for accuracy. Generate and organize research data, and prepare reports.
• Maintain and troubleshoot lab equipment, contacting vendors for assistance as required. Ensure others handling equipment follow SOPs and standard safety requirements. Ensure proper disposal of laboratory wastes.
• Train and help summer and graduate students in their lab analytical activities and in the use of equipment. Provide research support to faculty and graduate research students.
• Purchase laboratory items and supplies. Adjust expenses with Financial Services as required.

Note

The position will work in a lab environment with potential risk for mild chemical exposure. The incumbent will be required to regularly lift and move soil samples weighing up to approximately 10 kg. The incumbent may periodically be required to work in field conditions including loud equipment, inclement weather and dust, and walking up to approximately 1 km. In addition, the incumbent may periodically be required to travel including outside of regularly scheduled hours and outside the province. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Environmental Science or other related field plus approximately two (2) years relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Experience operating and maintaining diverse analytical equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Valid Nova Scotia drivers license.

Assets

• Experience with diverse (physical, biological, chemical) methods of soil health analysis.
• Experience with automated (Dumas method) analysis of total carbon and soil carbon fractions.
• Experience with management of a soil analytical laboratory.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

– Self-Awareness & Professionalism

– Integrity

– Adaptability

– Knowledge & Thinking Skills

– Communication

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees for NSGEU local 77 are given first consideration and will be notified regarding the status of their application. All other applicants will be considered when there is no qualified internal candidate.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies One (1)

Open Date 11/28/2023

Close Date 12/05/2023

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents * Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents * Cover Letter

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