GC-C IsotopeTechnician
University of Waterloo (UW)
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Job Requisition ID:
2026-00280Time Type:
Full timeEmployee Group:
StaffJob Category:
Laboratory SupportEmployment Type:
PermanentDepartment:
Faculty of Science - Earth and Environmental Sciences - Environmental Isotope LabHiring Range:
$70,685.71 - $88,357.13Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy and, this position is contingent on funding.
The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, March 19th, 2026, at 11:59PM EST.
Job Description:
Primary Purpose
The Gas Chromatograph Combustion (GC-C) Isotope Technician is responsible for performing Compound Specific Isotope Analyses (CSIA) for carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen on a fee for service basis for both University and external researchers and international consulting companies. The incumbent will be an integral part of the team to provide sample analyses results in a timely manner to clients from around the world. Duties assigned will include the set up and operation of laboratory analytical equipment, conducting data analysis/reporting and interacting with students, co-workers and clients. In addition, time will be used for Research and development of procedures, experimental design and execution and method validation.
Key Accountabilities
Mass Spectrometer systems and peripherals operation, maintenance, update and repair
· Responsible for the use and maintenance of the following lab equipment:
o IsoPrime MultiFlow/Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatograph-combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometer (MF/TD -GC-C-IRMS) (GVI, UK) coupled with an Agilent 7890 Gas Chromatograph (Agilent, USA)
o Thermo Delta V Advantage Thermal Desorption/Purge & Trap-Gas Chromatograph-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometer (TD/PT-GC-C/P-IRMS) (Thermo Scientific, Germany) coupled with a CDS Thermal Desorption/Purge & Trap Autosampler (CDS Analytical, USA), Thermo Trace GC and Thermo GC–Combustion III interface (Thermo Scientific, Germany).
o MAT 253-DI/TD/GB/CF/GC - Dual Inlet, Continuous Flow Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (CFSIR-MS) with Gas Bench (Thermo Finnigan / Bremen-Germany) coupled with an Agilent 7890 Gas Chromatograph (Santa Clara-United States), Thermal Desorber (Scientific Instruments / West Palm Beach-USA)
Sample Pretreatment and Extraction
· Prepare and analyze organic and inorganic samples from around the world primarily for 13C and 2H and at times 15N isotope compositions
· Determine most appropriate analytical technique based on sample composition
· Sample preparation and analysis of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon in ground water
Technical Procedures and Safety
· Maintain up to date technical procedures
· Produce new and maintain up to date Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
· Responding to client(s) inquires/questions pertaining to various results/analyses
· Maintain up to date Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals routinely used
Other Duties
· General lab clean up and organization
· As assigned by the uwEILAB Manager
Required Qualifications
Education
· Undergraduate degree in related Science field required, MSc preferred.
· A combination of equivalent education and/or experience will be considered.
Experience
· At least 2 years’ experience working in an Isotope laboratory environment required
· Experience with stable Isotope mass spectrometry across several equipment manufacturers required
· Experience with associated peripherals preferred
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
· Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
· Effectively manage multiple priorities and exercise independent, prudent judgement
· Strong analytical and problem solving skills
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Intermediate MS Word and Excel
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 hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
