Sample Logistics Technician in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto

Position: Sample Logistics Technician
Status: Casual

This position is for an energetic and organized Sample Logistics Technician in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto.

Job Description:
Under direction of the Principle Investigator, the Sample Logistics Technician is responsible for coordinating the collection of wastewater samples from approximately 12 locations in the GTA and bringing these samples to the University for analysis and archiving. This work is part of a province-wide initiative for SARS-CoV2 wastewater surveillance. The incumbent will be required to prepare empty clean bottles for distribution to sampling locations and to drive to collect bottles once filled and return these to the lab on ice, using all safety protocols established in our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). In addition, the technician will maintain the log of all samples collected and their provenance and distribution, including working with lab staff to keep a record of subsequent analyses types and dates. The technician will work as part of a team of Professors, Research Associates, and technicians to ensure accurate sample chain-of-custody (COC) and record keeping from start to finish.

Qualifications/Requirements:
B.Sc. or Masters in Life Sciences or Physical Sciences or Engineering discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills.
A valid driver’s license and their own vehicle is required (mileage at the rate of $0.57/km will be paid for vehicle use).

Duties
Coordination of Sampling and Laboratory duties (100%)
• Coordinate sample collection from over a dozen locations per week
• Physically collect samples when needed (drive to collection point in the city of Toronto) from WWTP and other locations, e.g. Ashbridges Bay
• Request and obtain sterilized bottles from lab for collection of wastewater samples
• Label all bottles and complete all Chain-of-custody forms
• Deliver and collect samples as required by each location
• Re-order or clean sample collection bottles as needed per protocol provided
• Compiles and organizes sample distribution data.
• Maintain database/inventory of samples received and archived (frozen) and their provenance
• Be familiar with handling, storing and disposing of potentially hazardous materials

Associated Responsibilities
• Help to maintain a database of all analyses and sample manipulations and storage and processing locations
• Help to maintain a database of metadata associated with the samples
• Help to maintain the database of analytical results

Notes:
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Interested candidates should send their resume/CV with at least two references to:

Vinthiya Paramananthasivan (vinthiya.param@utoronto.ca)

Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 12, 2021.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Indigenous/ Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Appointment Type: Casual, 6-month term, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 6 months
Schedule: Full-time; as soon as possible.
Rate: $24.59/hour

Job Field: Sample Logistics Technician

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• everything we throw into our compost bins is converted efficiently into energy
• algae are farmed to produce clean, renewable food and energy
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• bacteria are trained to clean up chemical pollutants in contaminated groundwater
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• foods are enhanced with micronutrients to alleviate malnutrition around the world

Do you what to help? Ideal candidates will have a background in chemical engineering or applied microbiology, or both, have a practical, and a hands-on approach to research.

If you have applied to, or been accepted in, the University of Toronto’s MASc or MEng programs, and fit the description above, contact a BioZone Professor (link) and find out if this is the opportunity for you.

Interested industrial partners, please contact BioZone, at info@biozone.utoronto.ca for more information.