Chemical Technologist

Competition Number: J0325-0094

Position Title: Chemical Technologist

Position Number (Final): 00122126

Employee Group: Support Staff - CUPE Local 254

Job Category: Other Professionals

Department or Area: Chemical Engineering

Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada (On-site)

Salary: $58,015.00 - $72,519.00/Year

Hours per Week: 35

Job Type: Term

Length of term: 1 year

Shift: 7 Monday - Friday

Number Of Positions: 1

Date Posted: March 18, 2025

Closing Date: April 6, 2025

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Come work with us!

Job Summary

In consultation with the academic staff, facilitates continual improvement of the laboratory component of the undergraduate program, and assists students working on senior year research projects. Responsibilities include: instructs fellow technologists, students, faculty and TA’s in matters related to safety and the operation of the laboratory and scientific equipment, including sample procurement and preparation techniques.

Research/Graduate Support

To assist the principal investigators, graduate students and research associates in the design, purchase, construction and maintenance of research equipment.

Health & Safety

To exercise vigilance over chemical safety in the department including: the proper use and storage of chemicals, gas cylinders and the proper handling and disposal of hazardous wastes. The individual must be prepared to lead or assist in the handling of emergencies.

General Support

To be a resource person for the department. To provide general support for the day-to-day operations in the department including; set up/dismantling of laboratories and equipment; and arranging for the disposal of chemicals, scrap metal and surplus equipment. To assist with the planning and allocation of departmental resources and the design of the engineering laboratories. To assist the department with providing a high quality learning environment in the undergraduate laboratories.

Job Description

This position requires a three-year diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology with a minimum of three years practical experience in the related field.

Knowledge And Skills Required

• Familiarity and skilled in instrumental analysis
• Demonstrated skills in design, assembling, interfacing, maintaining and repairing bench and pilot plant scale equipment used in undergraduate and research labs/projects
• Knowledge of the properties of chemicals and chemical mixtures, such as is necessary for their safe storage, handling and disposal
• Knowledge of electrical and electronics in laboratory applications
• Knowledge of machine shop procedures and capabilities
• Knowledge in the use of computers and software in data acquisition systems
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices (safety, technique, housekeeping)
• Must be able to work in a safe and diligent fashion so as to comply with regulations set out under the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Knowledge and training in handling emergencies
• Good organizational skills and time management are essential.

Proficiency should be reached with three years experience but only with continuous education through on-the-job training, workshops, seminar and self study to keep abreast of developments in areas of instrumental analysis, computer applications and software, and occupational health and safety.

Supervision and Collaboration

The incumbent instructs faculty, students and co-workers working in the undergraduate laboratories with respect to safety and provides instruction to undergraduate, teaching assistants, post-graduates, research associates and academic staff in the proper usage of various departmental equipment and analytical instruments.

The incumbent must interact on a daily basis with undergraduate students, teaching assistants and academic staff on issues pertaining to the undergraduate program. She/he must also interact with graduate students, faculty and research associates in connection with their research. Certain jobs will require the individual to work together with other technicians/technologists within the department and with other departments on campus. The incumbent will have direct contact with the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Department in matters related to chemical storage, waste disposal and other safety issues.

The incumbent works independently, reporting directly to the Department Manager.

Department Overview

Number of Undergraduate Lab courses involved = 6

Number of Undergraduate Students = 400+

Number of Graduate Students = 90+

Number of Academic Faculty = 24

Number of Technicians = 2

Number of Research Associates/Post-Doc = 15+

Number of Support Staff = 9

Number of Supervisory = 1

Safety and Working Conditions

The incumbent must deal with conflicting demands and frequent interruptions. Contributes in numerous activities in the Department and University activities, such as Homecoming, Orientation, Hechmet, often representing the Department.

The incumbent must also adhere to legislated safety guidelines and is also bound by the same law to ensure the safe operation of all equipment, and advise others of their potentially dangerous operation of equipment and correct them. It is expected that the incumbent take WHMIS training, a fire extinguisher training course and also maintain a valid 1st aid certificate.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.