JOB FACT SHEET
POSITION INFORMATION
Position Number: 2576
Current Grade (if applicable): 10
Working Title: Research Technician
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Engineering, Dept of Chemical and Materials Engineering
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 If OTHER, please indicate Position Type: Click here to enter text.
Special Requirements:
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SIGNATURES: The signatures below indicate that all parties have read and discussed the content of the JFS
EFFECTIVE DATE (if different from date signed): Click here to enter a date.
FINANCIAL AUTHORIZATION:
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1. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES SINCE LAST REVIEW
NA
2. POSITION SUMMARY
This is a support position with a primary function to facilitate the Centre for Oil Sands Innovation (COSI)
research roles. Major activities are related to laboratory management including supervision and
instruction in research laboratory with projects carried out by approximately 30 researchers,
undergraduate and graduate students in areas of oil sand extraction and upgrading processes and
managing the relocation of laboratories into newly renovated facilities. Activities involve instruction in
equipment operation, equipment repair and software maintenance, supplies procurement, trouble
shooting, safety and design of laboratory facilities. Provide testing services for Centre clients from
outside of the department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. Management of the relocation
involves preparation of lab layouts, researching and consultation with casework suppliers, and quote
comparisons.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES: Group activities into categories and list in point form each
duty performed until the major elements of the position are represented. Review each
statement to ensure that it accurately describes what is done and briefly, how it is done.
Please indicate the percentage of time spent on each of the major activities listed
Construction, implementation and testing of research equipment - 40%
Attend to the needs of funded COSI research projects including construction of equipment as needed,
and the implementation of new laboratory equipment.
Responsibilities include the following:
 Procurement of parts and supplies for current equipment
 Testing and calibration of equipment
 Repairing and troubleshooting equipment issues
 Training students in equipment operation and research procedures
 Perform sample preparation and laboratory analysis according to approved Standard
Operating Procedures and in concert with safety regulations
 Assists in site preparation for equipment installation and attends onsite initial training
sessions provided by vendors
 Preparation of standard operating procedures (SOP) of equipment operations and trains
users in accordance with SOP
 Responsible for all software maintenance
 Prepare sample methods, calibrate, and troubleshoot analyses issues on gas spectrometers
with flame ionization detectors and mass spectrometers
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Research literature and contact relevant companies and research groups regarding new
procedures for sample analysis
Attend specialized training courses outside of the University to update knowledge on
analytical techniques and new equipment possibly of interest to the COSI group
Safety Training - 10 %
 Ensure personnel and clients are WHMIS trained and conduct themselves accordingly; conduct
safety orientations; maintain compliance with safety protocol in all laboratories; conduct safety
meetings for the group; (This position is the first aid designate and is also COSI's contact person
for chemical spills.) attend and participate in monthly CME safety meetings as contact for COSI
Research labs
 Responsible for the creation and implementation of SOPs for all laboratory equipment and
procedures
 Request researchers and students complete initial drafts of SOPs for equipment and procedures
to become familiar with the processes
 Review and correct SOPs
 Introduce additional sections into student draft SOPs pertaining to equipment maintenance and
equipment use authorization
 Produce final drafts of SOPs prior to distribution to PI for approval
 Distribution of approved SOPs to EHS and CME Safety Officers for suggested revision and
updates as required
 Training new staff/students to work in labs and use all appropriate SOPs
Procuring Research materials - 20%
Ensure COSI PIs have materials required for their research by:
 Meet with students, PI's, research associates, and post doc's to discuss and suggest possible
options on equipment and methods for research
 Contact PIs to get their request of research materials
 Suggest options to researchers and possible solutions to common issues when ordering new
equipment or supplies
 Track shipments received and/or dispatched
 Purchase laboratory supplies, equipment under $5,000 as requested by PIs &/or supervisors
 Contact vendors to gather technical details of equipment and perform technical bid evaluations
for equipment selection
 Ensure purchase prices are competitive
 Contact new and existing vendors to compare prices
 Request University Research pricing on larger purchases and compare quotes
 Liaise with vendors to collect information on new products and equipment information
 Keep current inventory of chemicals and equipment in COSl's possession.
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Manage Lab Relocation - 20%
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Design lab layouts including new casework and current/future equipment locations
Schedule meetings to discuss and consider layout options with PI's
Ensure new layouts allow for future expansion in addition to a well-planned current setup
Liaise with suppliers and collect information on casework and installation options
Request quotes for casework and equipment from multiple vendors and determine best options
prior to contacting PI's
Liaise with Safety Officers in CME and EHS
Ensure new equipment setup meets safety regulations
Design new reactor enclosure to meet current safety regulations including ventilation
requirements
Research Projects - 10%
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Assist researchers in projects, experimental design, and analysis of samples
Use chemical engineering software and calculations to ensure safe reactor working conditions in
student experiments
Brainstorm ideas and solutions to research setbacks with students
Work with students on analytical equipment to explain the methodology of analysis as well as
equipment operating procedure
4. KNOWLEDGE: Identify the minimum formalized training/education and/or qualifications
required to prepare an individual to be functional in the position.
Post-secondary education of a Bachelor’s degree or less with greater than 18 months to become
functional in the role.
5. INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION: Describe the initiative required, the creativity and original
thought, and also the amount of direction and control received from the supervisor or standard
practices and precedents.
A. What types of decisions are made independently?
The position has delegated control of managing the laboratories in all day to day operations. This
involves decisions on cost effective purchasing, space management, prioritizing assistance to research
projects in the Centre and policing safety protocols. Request vendor servicing of equipment to ensure
equipment remains in working order.
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B. For what actions is it necessary to consult someone? Are approvals or instructions verbal or in
writing?
For large capital purchases, the PIs provide written approval. PIs provide project ideas verbally.
Consult with supervisors on non-routine and sensitive issues relating to COSI project research - verbal or
email.
6. CONSEQUENCE OF ERRORS: Identify the extent of losses which result from mistakes in
judgment or poor decisions (typical instances, not rare or extreme ones), and the responsibility
for safety of others.
If a student or researcher is not properly trained in the operation and maintenance of equipment,
accidents may occur, damage to equipment may result which can also lead to the loss of time and
money. Due to the nature of the work, and the use of toxic chemicals, extreme heat and pressure, and
moving machinery; if any personnel are not following safety procedures, injury or death could occur.
Analytical equipment requires periodic and proper calibration techniques and individualized methods
for specific samples; if incorrect settings are used the results obtained and published by researchers will
be incorrect.
7. CONTACTS: Identify the contacts and the purpose of the interaction.
A. Inside the University
Scientific Director, Graduate Students, COSI PIs, COSI Staff, Instrument, Machine shop, Safety officer,
Department Chair, Computer Support Staff, Scientific glass blowing, Environmental Health & Safety
Officer, Supply Management Services, Building Managers (CME and NINT), Departmental Office staff,
Chemistry stores, PI's requesting assistance in laboratory layout planning, PI's involved in the design and
purchase of a common reactor facility.
B. Outside the University
Current Vendors, Potential New Suppliers, Equipment Technicians, Industry Partners,
Suppliers, External COSI PIs
C. Information Sources
Equipment user and reference manuals as required, attend seminars monthly, occasionally refer to
course manuals and refer to equipment and supply catalogs weekly. Consult with the Centre principal
investigators monthly. Occasionally consult with other academic and technical staff. Research the
internet for new cost effective equipment and supplies as well as updated manuals.
Center Manager
Scientific Director
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Department Financial Clerks
Department Payroll Officer
Supply Management Services
Financial Services
SMS Trades
Information Provided to Others
Details of the procedures, operation, rules, safety regulations and practices for all laboratories within
the Centre for Oil Sands Innovation. Train students, research associates, graduate students, post
doctorate fellows in equipment operations.
Create and update MSDS binder. Maintain and update catalogs. Centralize and update all software.
Centralize all equipment user and reference manuals. Provide copies of manuals for all equipment
Scientific Director - reports
PIs - summaries and reports, provide copies of manuals for all equipment
Researchers, students - safety orientation, provide copies of manuals for all equipment, relevant SOP
and equipment information.
8. SUPERVISION: If this position is not required to supervise staff, please indicate “n/a”.
A. Describe all aspects of formal supervision required of this position. Please be sure to complete
Part B.
Train all new undergrad and graduate students, post doctorates and research associates in safety
orientation, equipment operation and lab procedures for our Centre. Train all lab personnel in the safe
and proper operation of all our equipment and laboratory procedures. Train and oversee outside clients
who wish to borrow and use our equipment. Disciplinary action is taken upon those who do not follow
safety protocols and are not allowed back in the laboratories until procedures and/or personal
protective equipment is worn and they have permission from their immediate supervising professor.
B. Please indicate how many staff members are supervised by the position.
Full-time employees: 0
Part-time employees: 0
Casual employees: 0
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Describe the degree, frequency, severity, intensity and continuity of
physical activity and/or intense visual concentration required.
A. Activities
Computer work, filing/paperwork, standing, sitting, lifting, troubleshooting equipment problems.
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B. What types of equipment or tools are used in the job?
Tools for fabrication of tubing systems including selection and fitting of valves and mass flow controllers,
simple low-voltage electrical connections and testing, leak testing, fault diagnosis equipment. Use of
research equipment such as infrared spectrometer, viscometers, gas, liquid and ion chromatographs,
zeta meters and zeta sizer, micro-pipettes, high-pressure and high temperature reactors, high speed and
digital cameras, computers, centrifuges, drop shape analyzers, microscopes, spin coaters, sonicators, pH
meters, shakers, tumblers, grinders, ro-taps, furnaces, vacuum ovens, mixers, calipers, water purifier,
high pressure cylinders, balances, chillers, extraction, and distillation equipment. Many controlled
substances and equipment that is newly invented. All types of hand tools. PC, scanner, copier, fax,
printer
10. WORKING CONDITIONS: Describe the disagreeable aspects of the job environment in
relation to employee safety and comfort, and the severity and frequency of exposure to
workplace hazards.
Typical Laboratory Working Environment. Many different types of chemicals and materials are used.
Heavy high pressure cylinders are transported. Heavy equipment is occasionally moved. Sonicators emit
intense noise. Dusty and noisy conditions exist in the crushing room and high-pressure reactor
laboratory. Much of the apparatus is moving machinery. Delicate and careful work maintaining and
troubleshooting high precision analytical equipment. High temperatures are used with extraction, oven
and furnace use. The time spent at each dangerous activity changes as demands dictate.
11. SIMILAR POSITIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA: Please list any position numbers,
titles, departments or incumbent names that may be considered to be similar.
Technician position in COSI
12. ORGANIZATION CHART: An organization chart is mandatory for the evaluation process to
be completed. You may include this as a separate attachment or file may be pasted/
embedded below
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Scientific Director
Events and
Communications
Coordinator
Centre Manager
Research Associate
Administrative
Assistant
Financial Assistant
Research Associate
Research Technician
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