Available Positions at the Mid-IR beamline

Mid IR Technical Assistant – Job No. 665

The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is the national synchrotron research facility on the University of Saskatchewan campus. This facility produces high intensity synchrotron light, millions of times brighter than sunlight, to explore the nature and structure of molecules. The synchrotron facilitates scientific research in the areas of health, advanced materials and the environment and serves national and international users from academia, industry and government institutions.

CLSI is currently receiving applications from post-secondary students for the following summer positions. The positions run from May 1 – August 31, 2012. The wage rate per hour is consistent with the University of Saskatchewan, Undergraduate Student Assistant Rates. All applicants must be returning to school in the fall, as per the criteria of our summer student funding program.

The Mid-Infrared beamline is running a multidisciplinary program in infrared spectroscopy involving biological studies of living cells and fixed tissues, materials science, geology and chemistry. Depending on qualifications and interest the successful candidate may be involved in any of the following projects:

• Automation of computer related repetitve tasks (data synchronization, transfer, etc.)
• Creation of Macros for the OPUS spectral analysis software package to facilitate data acquisition and handling at the Mid-IR beamline
• Video documentation of Beamline Procedures
• Implementation of a Resonant Mie Scattering Correction algorithm in Fortran or C for high throughput computation
• General Laboratory maintenance, organization and improvement

Qualifications:

• 3rd or 4th year Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics or Chemistry
• Programming skills in any of the following languages: LabView, C, C++, MATLAB, Web Programming
• Knowledge of Linux operating system
• Knowledge of basic electronic design
• Excellent writing skills and good record keeping habits, good communication skills

Knowledge of infrared spectroscopy is desirable but not required.

Please submit your application to jobs@lightsource.ca by sending a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and a list of three references. Please identify in the subject line the position and posting number you are applying for. Deadline for applications is December 31, 2011.

Mid-IR Science Associate

Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is Canada’s national synchrotron research facility located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon. CLSI is currently recruiting for a Science Associate for the Infrared spectromicroscopy beamline facility in the Experimental Facilities Division.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Beamline Scientists, the Science Associate supports the scientific research on the infrared spectromicroscopy beamline facility by ensuring the beamline equipment is functioning and the lab is properly maintained. S/he monitors and troubleshoots beamline instrumentation and notifies the Beamline Scientists of conditions affecting normal beamline operation. The Science Associate contributes in the upgrade, calibration and testing of beamline instrumentation and equipment together with the Beamline Scientist and the appropriate technical support staff. It is expected that s/he will develop and maintain a high level of expertise in a variety of infrared spectroscopy methods, optical equipment and data processing. S/he provides training to users of varying skill levels with regards to the beamline equipment and lab procedures. The Science Associate produces and maintains documentation in the form of written reports, guidelines, records and logbooks. Working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is a requirement of the position.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum BSc. in life sciences, chemistry or physics preferably with related experience in a research laboratory. Good organizational skills are necessary, as well as the ability to interact and communicate effectively with users, technical and administrative staff. Applicants should be self-directed and have the ability to perform tasks to completion without supervision. Previous experience using analytical instruments, FTIR spectrometers, microscopes and optical equipment is a plus. Experience with computers and software for data acquisition and analysis as well as programming is a strong advantage. An aptitude for collaboration based research and a desire to participate in an active and exciting science program will lead to your success in this position. Preference will be shown to candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in developing an academic or industrial research career.

Remuneration: This position is classified as a SR1 in the Scientific & Research Salary Grid with a salary range of $44,166 to $66,249 per annum. A comprehensive benefits package, including supplemental health & dental, life insurance, pension plan, and 4 weeks annual vacation is part of a competitive compensation package.

Interested individuals are asked to submit a resume along with references, in confidence, to jobs@lightsource.ca . Please quote Job No. 658 in the subject line of the e-mail. Internal applicants are asked to submit their application no later than November 23, 2011. The deadline for external applicants is December 9, 2011. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.

Canadian Light Source Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, aboriginal people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications.

Post-doctoral Fellow – Job No. 645

Canadian Light Source Inc (CLSI) is Canada’s national synchrotron research facility located on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.The Canadian Light Source (CLS), in co-operation with the University of Saskatchewan, is offering a unique opportunity for promising scientists to work in a challenging research environment during the early stages of their career. The CLS is now accepting applications for a two-year Post-doctoral Fellow position to conduct research in the area of carbon-based nanomaterials.

Responsibilities: Under the supervision of Dr. Ferenc Borondics, Staff Scientist of the Mid-Infrared Spectromicroscopy Beamline, the successful applicant will participate in the investigation of carbon-based nanomaterials (nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes and related materials) with infrared and x-ray spectroscopies at various beamlines at the Canadian Light Source. The Post-doctoral Fellow will design and conduct experiments independently, prepare research papers for publication, present findings at seminars and conferences, and document research investigations such that results can be easily reproduced. The successful candidate will be required to work in collaboration with other groups in CLS and other institutions or universities.

Qualifications: Applicants are expected to have successfully completed a Ph.D. degree in Physics, materials science or Chemistry within the last three years. Experience with nanomaterials, synthesis and characterization and demonstrated knowledge in spectroscopy is essential. Good knowledge of instrument/experiment building and interfacing is required. Programming skills and experience with LabView is a definite advantage. Working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is a requirement of the position.

Terms and Conditions: The stipend for the Post-doctoral Fellow falls within the guidelines set by the University of Saskatchewan (http://www.usask.ca/cgsr/for_fac_staff/postdoctoral.php).

Interested individuals are asked to submit a resume along with references and a statement of research interests, in confidence, to jobs@lightsource.ca. Please quote Job No. 645 in the subject line of the e-mail. Applications will be considered as of August 1, 2011 and will continue until the position is filled. While all applicants are thanked for their interested, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Although first consideration will be given to citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada (in accordance with Canadian Immigration regulations) the CLS strongly encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Canadian Light Source Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, aboriginal people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications.