Analytical Lab Services Specialist

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Job Requisition ID:
2026-02843

Time Type:
Full time

Employee Group:
Staff

Job Category:
Laboratory Support

Employment Type:
Temporary

Department:
Faculty of Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Technical Operations

Hiring Range:
$87,620.25 - $109,525.32

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is October 1, 2026 at 11:59PM

This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity. Contract end date: September 30, 2028

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for the provision of analytical and general chemistry services to support graduate and post-doctoral research in the Department of Chemical Engineering, including funded external research interests. The incumbent is required to manage the Chemical Engineering Analytical Services Laboratory and all aspects of its safe operations.

Key Accountabilities

Analytical Services

- Be proficient in the use of analytical equipment and sample preparation. Possess a good knowledge of the associated limitations and operating parameters for each analytical technique.
- Establish service-level objectives and consult with the lab director as to the objectives.
- Provide analytical services for, and collaborate with, researchers across campus as well as clients from outside the university.
- Identify and update analytical/testing services based on faculty needs and industry trends.
- Supervise lab users including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting researchers and external users as they utilize the lab equipment in their research.
- Recommend the upgrading or replacement of existing analytical instrumentation when required.
- Provide analytical consultation for researchers on campus and for external clients, develop custom solutions for clients and help solve specific operational problems.
- Assist faculty in the acquisition of new analytical instrumentation, which includes the writing of equipment grant proposals.
- Expand and/or update knowledge and expertise by attending company, supplier and/or manufacturer training programs concerning analytical instruments or methods of analyses, with special emphasis on new devices and techniques.

Operations

- Ensure and maintain the day-to-day operational capability of the laboratory.
- Provide regular maintenance to lab equipment and troubleshoot analytical and instrumental problems.
- Ensure the operation of the facility according to the departmental and university safety procedures.
- Proactively maintain an adequate level of consumables, chemicals, and analytical standards for the Lab.

Training

- Offer workshops and hands-on training on equipment usage to increase lab engagement.
- Train researchers on the proper use of lab equipment and recommended quality control practices.
- Develop and implement training programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and documentation.
- Provide seminars regarding analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis, upon request of the Laboratory Director, Research and Special Projects.
- Provide explanation of analytical techniques to visiting researchers and students touring the facility.

Financial Administration

- Establish competitive, transparent fee structures (internal, external academic, and industry rates) that support cost recovery or surplus generation.
- Keep track of and document billing of users.
- Prepare and communicate billing statements to internal users.
- Submit the termly charges to the Department Financial Officer for processing.
- Invoice external clients for analytical services.
- Provides input into the annual operating budget needed to operate the facility in collaboration with the Department Financial Officer and the Laboratory Director, Research and Special Projects.
- Submit all chemicals, equipment consumables, and repair cost requisitions through Unit 4.

Administration

- Assist in the hiring and supervision of casual co-op students and technicians when necessary to maintain sample turnaround during busy periods in the departmental instrumentation lab.
- Process users’ requests for analysis and communicate results.
- Establish and maintain liaison with sales representatives and technical support.

Promotional/Advertising

- Promote the core lab among faculty, postdocs, and students to encourage internal recharge revenue.
- Assist in writing technical scopes for fee-for-service or sponsored research agreements.
- Maintain a professional, detailed lab website with service descriptions, pricing, and contact info. Document and share successful collaborations or impactful analyses via testimonials.
- Actively respond to the research needs of new clients.
- Actively provide updates on the analytical capabilities and new projects supported by the ChemEng analytical lab using available professional platforms, departmental meetings and UWaterloo website, when possible.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.