Research Assistant, Microplastics and Ocean Pollution

We need the ocean. The ocean needs us.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Microplastics and Ocean Pollution, you will contribute to the overall success of the microplastics research program by working on projects aimed at characterizing microplastic pollution in the ocean. You will perform laboratory-based isolation of microplastics from samples using existing and newly-developed protocols, including filtration, digestion, density-gradient, and sorting techniques. You will also contribute to manuscript preparation to support the publication of our results in scientific literature.

This is a temporary contract, full-time position which runs until February 28 2025. Preference to candidates who can start immediately.

Who You Are

You have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related disciplinaries with experience working in a laboratory processing environmental samples and synthesizing data. Ideally, you have an interest in or passion for ocean conservation and research.

What You'll Be Doing

Research

• Perform laboratory-based isolation of microplastics from samples using existing and newly-developed protocols, including filtration, digestion, density-gradient, and sorting techniques;
• Processing environmental samples such as sediment, water, wastewater, biota, using established protocols;
• Characterize microplastics using light microscopy and image analysis software;
• Prepare samples adequately for further analysis using Fourier-Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectrometry;
• Quantify the variation of microfiber shed rate in laundry.
• Assisting the Lab Manager as directed and required.

Reports and Publications

• Prepare laboratory reports summarizing findings;
• Assist with the organizing and writing of manuscripts to support the publication of research results.

What You Bring

• Undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biology and/or Environmental Sciences or related disciplinaries;
• Proficiency with optical microscopy;
• Experience processing environmental samples;
• Competency working safely in a laboratory setting handing chemicals;
• Knowledge of chemistry, organic chemistry and/or biochemistry;
• Ability to obtain and maintain a WHMIS certificate;
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Ability to synthesize and report on data
• Strong written communication skills.

How You Will Be Measured

• Meets the yearly performance goals and indicators as set by the Director, Ocean Pollution and Plastics
• Able to synthesize data and report on findings
• Works accurately and with detail orientation
• Works in safe manner and with full knowledge of WHMIS requirements
• Works in accordance with Ocean Wise values of Knowledge, Integrity, Impact, Extreme Collaboration, and Optimism

What We Offer

This temporary contract position offers:

• A competitive base salary in line with market data for not-for-profit organizations
• 6% vacation pay
• 5 paid sick days
• 12 paid Statutory and General Holidays each calendar year based on eligibility
• An annual all-staff retreat to allow in-person connections and team building
• The opportunity to be part of a team that's helping to save the ocean!

Where and How You Will Work

Our typical work week is 37.5 hours. This is an in-person position at our West Vancouver (PSEC) laboratory with occasional travel to and work from the Delta (Annacis Research & Events Centre) location. The role may require occasional flexibility to travel for meetings and/or to work occasional weekends and evenings to attend Ocean Wise shoreline cleanups, events, and conferences.