The Centre for Biofouling Research (CBR) at St. Francis Xavier University is seeking one or two research technicians. Our fundamental and applied research program explores both marine biofouling (the growth of unwanted organisms on marine infrastructure) and novel low-toxicity approaches to antifouling (the mitigation of biofouling). The technician(s) will help coordinate and participate in several ongoing research projects with respect to biofouling and environmentally-friendly antifouling. The position(s) will be primarily focused on supporting our research projects in collaboration with GIT Coatings, who are developing graphene-based coatings. Projects will include both field trials of newly developed coatings and lab-based toxicity assays. The technician will work as part of the biofouling team of students, all working with the supervision of Dr. Russell Wyeth. Activities working towards completion of the project will entail working as a group to plan and implement field and lab work, undertake sampling, and, once completed, prepare oral and written communications about the project(s). Administrative tasks in support of the supervisor will also be involved, as well as opportunities to engage with other active research projects.

Duties and responsibilities

• help the project lead with overall organization of research activities
• help with specific project planning and administration
• team work with other student researchers
• data analysis
• materials and equipment management
• help with report and manuscript writing
• communicate with other stakeholders in the fields of biofouling and antifouling

Essential knowledge and skills

• ability to work independently
• meticulous organization
• time management
• effective oral and written communication

Desirable knowledge and skills:

• principles of marine biofouling
• antifouling technologies
• research experience
• reading and summarizing scientific literature
• digital photography
• toxicity tests
• brine shrimp culture
• image processing
• digital video production
• software: MS Excel, SPSS, R
• statistical analysis
• scientific presentation
• scientific writing
• marine field work experience

Education and/or Certification required

• Bachelor of Science
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) or Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

Position Details and Application Procedures

• Either one or two positions available, depending on funding
• Eligibility: applicants must be completing a science degree or have graduate from a science degreee within the last 18 months.
• Start date: Aug 6, 2024 or later (some flexibility)
• Salary: $17/hour
• Duration: 4 months minimum, extendable upon review for up to at least 12 months
• Remote work possible, but at least some in-person work preferred
• Deadline: review of applications will begin July 17, and continue until position(s) filled

To apply, please send a transcript, resume, and cover letter to Russell Wyeth – rwyeth@stfx.ca

The cover letter should summarize:

• your interest in the position
• relevance of your experience
• the graduation date and discipline of your most recent science degree
• your citizenship/immigration status in Canada