LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

The Department of Civil Engineering at McMaster University has earned international reputation in both research and teaching. It has ranked in the world’s top 40 civil engineering departments in the 2021 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. The Civil Engineering Department at McMaster is a dynamic, fast paced, and evolving environment and is looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic, engaging, and excited about change.

Under the direction of the Applied Dynamics Laboratory Supervisor, the Applied Dynamics Laboratory Technician is responsible for supporting the routine operations of the Applied Dynamics Laboratory, with a focus on both undergraduate teaching laboratories and a major graduate research lab. The successful candidate will also be responsible for providing operational support for the experimental facilities (including testing equipment, instruments, data acquisition systems and other auxiliaries) employed in the department's research labs with all safety regulations in the undergraduate and graduate laboratories being followed. This individual may assist with leading undergraduate laboratory components.

We are seeking a patient, organized individual with proven ability to multi-task. Experience with hand/power tools, electronics, welding, control systems, instrumentation, machining, hydraulics, and surveying equipment is desired.

Job Summary:

Responsible for providing technical support within a laboratory environment. Assist course instructors by designing, preparing, conducting, and demonstrating undergraduate laboratory experiments. Support researchers and graduate students with designing, preparing, and conducting research experiments.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Collaborate with the instructor to decide on the learning concept and determine how the experiment will be designed to align with and reinforce the defined concept.

• Design and build new laboratory experiments, and review and modify existing laboratory experiments.
• Interact with students and researchers to design and fabricate various apparatus for lab studies.
• Set up and conduct both standardized and non-standardized experiments.
• Assess and mitigate the physical risks associated with the set-up and demonstration of experiments.
• Utilize various software packages and established techniques to analyze data and interpret results.
• Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results.
• Assess the need for and provide recommendations for the acquisition of laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Create spreadsheets and databases to input, store, and retrieve information.
• Provide technical support and assistance to students and instructors.
• Demonstrate the proper use of laboratory equipment to all users in the laboratory.
• Write procedures for testing methods to be used in laboratory manuals.
• Update and maintain detailed records of laboratory preparations, procedures, and results.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for equipment and experiments.
• Log incident reports.
• Ensure that all individuals adhere to established safety policies and have completed the required laboratory safety training.
• Exchange technical and scientific information with colleagues, faculty, and students.
• Attend and participate in regular meetings with teaching assistants to ensure lab experiments are understood and conducted accordingly.
• Complete initial laboratory set-up in accordance with laboratory schedules and requirements.
• Prepare a variety of materials such as chemicals, solutions, sterile media, staining reagents, and any other materials required for the laboratory.
• Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment including diagnosing and repairing equipment problems.
• Coordinate major repairs with vendors and outside contractors.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate the availability of laboratory equipment and resources.
• Responsible for the daily maintenance of the laboratory including the set up, take down, and clean up after each experiment.
• Remove waste in accordance with applicable waste handling guidelines.
• Update and maintain inventory control of laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Source pricing information and order materials and equipment required for the laboratory.
• Operate nonstandard equipment, test systems, and devices such as servo-controlled actuator driven systems.
• Utilize software to complete drawings for machined components required for equipment, and to produce CNC code.
• Operate a variety of power tools such as lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, 3-D printers, welders, and other power equipment.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study. Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

• Experience with surveying equipment, hand/power tools, electronics, welding, control systems, instrumentation, machining, and hydraulics
• Teaching experience
• CPR, First Aid, and other health/safety-related training
• Construction experience
• Ability to lift and carry 25kg
• Ability to work at 10m heights
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ .

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.