TITLE:                  Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry Technician
DEPARTMENT:             Environment Canada - National Hydrology Research Institute
LABORATORY:             Stable Isotope Hydrology and Ecology Laboratory
LOCATION:               Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
TENURE:         Full-time permanent, with 1 year probationary period
LANGUAGE:               English
EDUCATION:              M.Sc. or higher
SALARY:         $30-50K per annum
CLOSING DATE:   November 5, 1997
CITIZENSHIP:            Preference will be given to Canadian citizens


GENERAL DUTIES:

Under the supervision of a research scientist, the candidate reports on the
results of the research analysis of various inorganic and organic samples,
provides methods development for non-routine isotopic analyses, and
maintains the Institute's Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer instrumentation
and database.

SPECIFICS

Operates and maintains a computer controlled, high sensitivity dual inlet
stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (VG Optima) with a CO2-H2O water
equilibrator, H2-H2O water equilibrator, CO2 auto sampler and automated
cryogenic gas purification system. Operates and maintains a computer
controlled, high sensitivity Continuous Flow Stable Isotope Ratio Mass
Spectrometer (VG Optima EA)  with a Carlo Erba NA1500 Elemental Analyzer
and interface. Operates and maintains a lower sensitivity, manually
operated dual inlet stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (VG 602E).
Operates and maintains  high vacuum extraction lines for sample
distillation and purification. Operates and maintains a high resolution
HP5890 capillary Gas chromatograph. Operates and maintains Freeze dryers,
air compressors and water cooling systems in support of the IRMS system.
Conducts training in IRMS  and CF-IRMS operation, sample preparation and
sample acquisition for students, technical and professional staff.

Performs glass blowing including initial construction as well as repair of
 high vacuum extraction lines and other scientific equipment. Performs
electronics troubleshooting and repairs on laboratory equipment
electronics.

Maintains and operates the computer and data storage systems. Continually
verifies through
        QA/QC and normalization of data by intercomparison of international and
in-house standards.
        Provides data handling and presentation to the scientists.

Discusses research requirements, provides technical advice during research
project planning and sample acquisition with scientific staff. Discusses
applications and limitations of  IRMS and CF-IRMS for environmental
research with scientific staff.

Develops methods for analysis of stable isotope components within widely
differing matrices.

Analyzes and records international and in-house standards to create a
database that is referenced by both the departmental and international
scientific community.

Coordinates field sampling for stable isotope parameters.


Send resume along with a cover letter to:

Dr. Leonard Wassenaar
Stable Isotope Hydrology and Ecology Laboratory
National Hydrology Research Institute
Environment Canada
11 Innovation Blvd.
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 3H5
Canada