Data Acquisition and Analysis Technician

Athabasca University's Faculty of Science and Technology is currently recruiting for a Data Acquisition and Analysis Technician.

Reporting to the Microbioreactor Lab Platform Project Lead, this position plays a critical role in the development of an innovative microbioreactor laboratory platform for enhanced bioremediation and biodegradation research in soils. The platform integrates cutting-edge technologies, including microreactors, microbial fuel cells, and laser Raman spectroscopy, to investigate the complex physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern pore-scale pollutant dynamics and microbial activity in bioremediation. This project is supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• IT Integration:
  • Ensure seamless integration and utilization of existing IT systems at Athabasca University with the platform's hardware and software, such as laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), flow transducers, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
  • Set up and configure hardware and software for the platform's instruments and equipment.

• Database Design and Development:

  • Design and develop dedicated databases and related software programs for the microbioreactor platform.
  • Convert and transfer diverse data types (biological, physical, chemical) into formats usable by the remediation research community.
  • Merge, fuse, analyze, and organize data from various instruments to support research activities.
  • Implement structural databases and systems to integrate diverse datasets.

• Technical Support:

  • Provide the development team with necessary systems and software access.
  • Troubleshoot software and data system issues, ensuring all components function optimally.
  • Ensure the data system meets the project requirements and supports research objectives.

• User Support and Documentation:

  • Develop comprehensive user guides in collaboration with the Microbioreactor Lab Platform Coordinator.
  • Regularly communicate with and report to the principal investigators on technical aspects of the data system.
  • Supervise students involved in data acquisition, modeling, and analysis, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed.

Qualifications:

• A university degree or higher degree in computer, environment, engineering, microbiology or related field, 3 years of work experience and or training in an area related to academic programs, experience in working with students/interns, and with external organizations, institutions, etc.
• Strong ability to perform experiment of biofilms and fluid flow, scientific instrument, and data acquisition, such as laser Raman spectroscopy, high-speed camera, and GC-MS.
• Good experience of data modelling and analysis, and database development.
• A good set of interdisciplinary skills and involves knowledge of several areas including environment, microbioreactors, microfluidics, databases, and project management techniques.
• Good publication record.
• Good ability to effectively manage/coordinate numerous ongoing tasks and projects and be able to follow through with successful completion. 
• Good oral and written communication skills, effective use of technology to convey concepts and arguments, and a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and persuasiveness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to secure the cooperation and respect of the project team and user community.

A detailed job description can be viewed at: Data Acquisition and Analysis Technician

For further information regarding this position, please contact Mojtaba Aghajani Delavar, Microbioreactor Lab Platform Project Lead, at [email protected].

 

AU may offer relocation assistance for the right candidate, should you decide to relocate to reside in the town or county of Athabasca. As a resident of the community of Athabasca, or nearby in Alberta, you can elect to work virtually from your home or in our offices on our beautiful campus. This position can be done virtually however there are certain job responsibilities that must be completed in the Athabasca location.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, please visit http://www.visitathabasca.ca and http://www.athabasca.ca

 

We will only accept applications received through our online recruitment system. Please include your resume, letter of application, and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references.

Note: Online applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on the closing date.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

 

Athabasca First

Wherever possible, AU seeks to attract and hire qualified team members to reside in the region. We will offer relocation assistance for the right candidate should you decide to relocate the Town of Athabasca. As a resident of the town or county of Athabasca, you can choose to work on and from our beautiful campus in Athabasca.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, go to: Visit Athabasca.

What AU Offers: 

Benefits and Pension eligibility differs based on employee group and may include:

• Defined Benefits Pension Plan
• Alberta Health Care
• Extended Health Care
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Vacation
• Office Closure between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Discretionary Benefit Fund
• AU Course Allowance
• A Variety of Leaves (e.g., Maternity/Parental/Adoption, Compassionate Care, etc.)
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Educational credentials will be verified before an offer of employment is extended. An offer of employment is conditional upon verification of educational credentials. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. 

Athabasca University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of visible minorities. 

Where applicants have equal skills, abilities, and experience, candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the County of Athabasca will be given preference.

Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University. You are legally not permitted to work for Athabasca University if you are living outside of Canada.