Research Associate, Research Scientist

Position Summary

The Cold Region Water Resource Recovery Laboratory (CRWRRL) () is a signature environmental systems engineering research laboratory at the University of Regina (), Saskatchewan, Canada. CRWRRL conducts cutting-edge research at the intersection of water quality, environmental analytical chemistry, resource recovery, and sustainable infrastructure, with a particular focus on challenges unique to cold and semi-arid regions.

CRWRRL is supported by major funding agencies and partners, including NSERC, CFI, Mitacs, Prairies Can, Innovation Saskatchewan, the Government of Saskatchewan, as well as multiple municipal and industrial partners. The laboratory is equipped with a wide range of advanced analytical and experimental instruments that are critical to modern water and environmental research, including mass spectrometry-based platforms.

Research outcomes from CRWRRL have catalyzed the creation of a University of Regina spin-off company, Eco Loop Sustainable Technologies Limited, translating laboratory innovations into real-world environmental solutions.

Joining CRWRRL means becoming part of a high-impact, well-funded, and forward-looking research environment, offering opportunities for professional growth, technical leadership, and long-term career development.

The University of Regina is a research-intensive institution located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, with strong and internationally recognized programs in environmental engineering and science. Environmental sustainability and climate action are among the five pillars of the University’s strategic plan. The Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science hosts a unique Environmental Systems Engineering program, with faculty conducting leading research in areas such as climate simulation, cold-region engineering, and sustainable drinking water and wastewater treatment.

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Research Associate to oversee the daily operation, safety, and analytical capability of a research laboratory in environmental engineering and environmental analytical chemistry. The successful candidate will serve as the primary technical and operational lead of the laboratory under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and will provide direct support to the PI and research team members.

Candidates holding either a PhD or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline are encouraged to apply. In addition to laboratory management responsibilities, the appointee will conduct research in environmental engineering, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, assist in mentoring and training junior students, and help ensure a safe, efficient, and collaborative laboratory environment.

The position is offered with a one-year probationary period, with the possibility of conversion to long-term employment based on performance, funding availability, and laboratory needs. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
What You’ll Do:

Laboratory Management & Operations

Oversee the laboratory’s daily operations under the supervision of the PI.

Manage laboratory infrastructure, instrumentation scheduling, inventories, and consumables.

Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance logs.

Ensure laboratory safety compliance by conducting training, performing risk assessments, and adhering to institutional safety policies.

Analytical & Technical Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical lead for GC-MS, LC-MS, and other analytical platforms used in environmental analyses.

Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods to support ongoing and new research projects.

Diagnose and resolve routine analytical and instrumental issues; coordinate vendor service when major maintenance is required.

Ensure data quality, reproducibility, and adherence to QA/QC standards.

Research & Scholarly Activities

Conduct research in environmental engineering under the direction of the PI.

Participate actively in experimental design, data interpretation, and peer-reviewed manuscript preparation.

Contribute intellectually to research planning and proposal development where appropriate.

Mentorsh…