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Faculty of Science
Department of Geography
Position Summary:
The Research Technician plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of a research laboratory and associated fieldwork activities. This position ensures the safe, efficient, and effective functioning of laboratory spaces, equipment, and related departmental needs. The technician will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate research assistants, providing technical support, training, and logistical assistance in both laboratory and remote field settings.
This position requires working on-site Monday to Friday.
Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations & Maintenance
Perform general lab upkeep including cleaning, organizing, washing glassware, and ensuring proper storage of materials.
Monitor safety protocols and ensure all lab users are enrolled in required safety training (e.g., WHMIS, Radiation Safety).
Maintain clear walkways and uncluttered lab spaces to comply with health and safety regulations.
Schedule weekly student lab work using an online system to avoid overlap and ensure efficient use of resources.
Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate students on proper operation of analytical instruments, providing technical guidance and troubleshooting support as needed.
Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs of laboratory equipment, including gas chromatographs (GCs), pH and Conductivity meters, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total dissolved nitrogen analyzer (TDN), vacuum pump etc.
Maintain functionality and temperature settings of fridges and freezers.
Coordinate proper disposal of hazardous waste via Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) procedures.
Maintain and update chemical inventory, both in-lab 609 and digitally using MyLab.
Order laboratory supplies, equipment, and chemicals through MMP to support teaching and research needs, and recommend purchases based on operational requirements.
Assist with procurement and installation of equipment for graduate student thesis projects.
Advise and support faculty and students during building service shutdowns (e.g., electrical, water); ensure equipment is restarted and functioning post-shutdown.
Assist with sample analyses, including compiling and interpreting analytical data in collaboration with research personnel.
Sequential soil extractions and elemental analysis, following established methodology and contributing to refinement of procedures where appropriate.
Fieldwork Support
Assist in the installation and maintenance of field equipment (e.g., micrometeorological tower installation, auto samplers, data loggers, greenhouse gas flux equipment, flow velocity measurements of stream water, auto water sample collector, data logger installation).
Conduct soil and water sampling, velocity measurements, and other environmental monitoring tasks.
Operate and retrieve data from Campbell Scientific and other logging systems.
Process and analyze data using Word, Excel, SPSS, JMP, SigmaPlot, R or equivalent software, ensuring accurate documentation and data integrity.
Construct and maintain field infrastructure, such as boardwalks, for research purposes.
Apply hands-on skills such as basic carpentry and electrical work (AC/DC) in field installations.
Adhere to and promote safety protocols in remote work settings; respond effectively to field-related incidents or allergies.
Serve as a technical resource in field methodology, equipment operation, and data collection procedures.
Departmental & Administrative Support
Support faculty and students in moving furniture, relocating materials, or preparing lab/office spaces, especially during renovations or onboarding of new faculty.
Prepare and maintain equipment used for departmental field courses, ensuring readiness, safety compliance, and proper functioning of instructional equipment.
Coordinate shipping and receiving of research materials, including customs documentation for international shipments.
Other Skills and Qualifications
Undergraduate Degree in Physical Geography, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field. Master’s degree in a related field is an asset.
Minimum of 2 years of related experience in laboratory or field-based research support.
Bilingual; excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both English and French.
Valid driver’s licence.
Demonstrated experience with laboratory instrumentation (Orbitrap Mass spectrometer gas chromatograph, pH, Conductivity meters, Total Organic Carbon and Total Dissolved Nitrogen analyzer, etc. and maintenance.
Experience in data analysis and graphing software (R, Python Word, Excel, JMP, SigmaPlot).
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to train and guide students with diverse educational backgrounds.
Manual dexterity, basic carpentry, and light electrical skills considered an asset.
Knowledge of safety regulations and emergency procedures applicable to lab and field environments.
Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues, perform minor repairs, and determine when external servicing is required.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple activities in a research setting.
First aid and field safety certification is an asset.
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree - Biology 2 Years Related Experience /
(MUNACA Level H) $33.05 - $40.97
35 (Full time)
Professor
Position End Date (If applicable):
2026-06-10
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].
