24 Oct
|
University of Calgary
|
Calgary
24 Oct
University of Calgary
Calgary
Description The Department of Earth, Energy &
- Setting in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Laboratory Coordinator. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 7 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the position coordinates the laboratory and field operations of the lab so that the lab's research programs run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with university, funder, and regulatory requirements. The position performs and supports technical laboratory procedures, maintains standard operating procedures, sample inventories, and equipment, and plans and coordinates the logistics of domestic and international field programs.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Laboratory Operations and Technical Support
- Coordinates day-to-day laboratory operations, including scheduling, workflow, and shared resources, to support the lab's research programs.
- Performs and supports technical laboratory procedures, including preparation and processing of tissue, sediment, and water samples, following established protocols and clean techniques to ensure reliable research data.
- Develops, updates, and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with the Principal Investigator to ensure consistency of practice across lab members.
- Maintains laboratory equipment and instruments, troubleshoots problems, and arranges calibration, servicing, and repairs with vendors.
- Maintains sample inventories, archives, and chain-of-custody records, including receiving and logging samples from external collaborators.
- Maintains the lab's chemical inventory, coordinates hazardous waste disposal, and keeps laboratory safety documentation and training records current.
- Maintains the lab's website, including member profiles and publication lists, to communicate the lab's research.
Field Research and Logistics
- Plans and coordinates logistics for domestic and international field programs, including remote locations, by arranging travel, accommodation, aircraft and helicopter charters, equipment, and supplies.
- Coordinates research and collection permits with provincial agencies and land managers, and ensures field activities comply with permit conditions.
- Completes the University's Field Safety Standard requirements, including pre-trip planning, hazard assessments, and post-trip debriefs, to ensure field work is conducted safely.
- Coordinates with Risk Management and Insurance on insurance and contract requirements for field activities and contractors.
- Arranges domestic and international shipment of samples and equipment, including coordination with carriers and compliance with shipping and dangerous goods requirements.
- Contributes to data management, analysis, figures, reports, and presentations that support publications and grant reporting.
Procurement and Research Administration
- Purchases laboratory and field supplies and equipment through the University's procurement systems, including obtaining quotes, comparing price and availability, and managing back-orders, returns, and reorders.
- Creates and manages purchase orders for domestic and international suppliers and subcontractors, and resolves supplier setup and payment issues with Supply Chain Management.
- Tracks expenditures across multiple research grants and liaises with Research Accounting to ensure expenses are eligible and charged to the correct accounts.
- Assists the Principal Investigator in preparing technical and financial documentation and other deliverables required by funding agencies and collaborators;
Training and Research Team Support
- Trains and provides guidance to graduate students, undergraduate students, and new lab members on laboratory techniques, equipment, field protocols, and safety procedures.
- Acts as the primary point of contact for lab members on operational matters, and coordinates onboarding of new lab members.
- Contributes to project planning with the Principal Investigator by developing timelines, identifying resource needs, and tracking progress against project goals.
Qualifications / Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences (Ecology), Environmental Science, or a related field
- Master's degree in a related field is an asset.
- Minimum of 3 years of related experience in a research laboratory and/or field research setting.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
- Experience preparing and processing biological and environmental samples (e.g., tissue, sediment, water) using established laboratory protocols, including clean techniques to prevent sample contamination.
- Experience planning and coordinating field research, including logistics for remote locations.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals
- WHMIS training required.
- Wilderness or standard first aid certification is an asset.
- Knowledge of University of Calgary procurement and financial systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, eProcurement) and research grant administration is an asset.
- Familiarity with research and collection permitting processes is an asset.
- Experience with data management and analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, R) is an asset.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
- Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to train, guide, and mentor students and junior team members.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement, as well as collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions and to travel to remote field locations.
- Valid Class 5 driver's license.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2026 We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note,
only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About The University Of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here.
In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People &
- Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
📌 Laboratory Coordinator, Earth, Energy & Environment (Calgary)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Calgary