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Research Assistant

Department: Chemistry and Biology
Position supervisor: Dr. Stefania Impellizzeri
Contract length: 1 year
Hours of work per week: 36.25
Position type: Research Assistant
Rate of pay:  $49,858 - $54,194 annually

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link) , @TorontoMetHR (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

About the program/department/team

The position is available in Professor Stefania Impellizzeri’s research group (https://www.torontomu.ca/chemistry-biology/our-people/stefania-impellizzeri/) in the Department of Chemistry and Biology (https://www.torontomu.ca/chemistry-biology/) within the Faculty of Science at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada. The research work will be conducted at Prof. Impellizzeri’s research laboratories at TMU on the main campus at Urban Water TMU (https://www.torontomu.ca/water/about/). UW is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary consortium of researchers who strive to solve complex urban water challenges through transdisciplinary research, strong external networks, and collaborative action.

We are a leading research team dedicated to advancing the understanding of ice-making and the practical study of the effects that water chemistry can have on the overall energy footprint required to maintain a hockey or curling arena. This research is enabled by a state-of-the-art experimental, research-grade lab designed to simulate and analyze real-world ice rink conditions. We aim to develop and test new technologies that can enhance the sustainability and performance of ice rinks. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment, contributing to projects that have real-world impacts on the ice rink industry. Read more about this research project here: https://www.torontomu.ca/water/freshwater-science---governance/research/jetice-miniature-ice-rink-enclosure/

The opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in our experimental rink, assisting with the construction and maintenance of the ice and conducting various tests and analyses. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to present at conferences and publish our research.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the maintenance of the experimental ice rink.
  • Conduct and assist with tests related to ice quality.
  • Perform water chemistry analyses to support research findings.
  • Handle and manage equipment necessary for experiments.
  • Record and analyze data from tests, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
  • Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
  • Follow all safety protocols and guidelines.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of water chemistry analyses is an asset.
  • Ability to lift 45 lbs (20.4 kg) unassisted (reasonable accommodations will be made as per the Ontario Human Rights Code).
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Basic computer skills for data entry and analysis.
  • Previous experience in a research or laboratory setting is preferred but not required.

Our expectation is that you will be:

  • Communicating effectively and promptly through weekly reports and timely response to emails (i.e., within 24 hr during the work week).
  • Currently knowledgeable or willing to learn about best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusivity.     
  • Living in (or willing to move to) Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. 
  • Able to work in Canada.

To find out more or ask any questions, please feel welcome to reach out to Prof. Stefania Impellizzeri by email (simpellizzeri@torontomu.ca)

How to apply

Please email your application to Prof. Stefania Impellizzeri at simpellizzeri@torontomu.ca. In the subject line, please indicate: “RA Application” and upload the following:

  • A 1-page cover letter detailing your expertise/experience, how you meet the above qualification requirements, and your motivation for applying for this job. 
  • Your Curriculum Vitae.
  • Contact information of two professional references. Note: we will inform you before we contact them so you can make them aware. We will only ask for references for short-listed candidates.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.