Mass Spectrometry (MS) Lab Manager

Competition 2309

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $87,013 - $119,644. This position has an initial appointment of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta is internationally recognized for its outstanding teaching and research. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including comprehensive service laboratories and technical shops, the Department serves as a center for scientific education, innovation, and discovery. The Department’s Mass Spectrometry (MS) Facility operates several modern mass spectrometers, including a Waters Q-TOF Premiere mass spectrometer with a NanoAcquity UPLC system, a Bruker Apex-Qe 9.4T FTMS, an Agilent 6220 oaTOF and Bruker Ultraflextreme MALDI TOF/TOF, making it one of the largest and best-equipped of its kind in Canada.

Position Summary

The Mass Spectrometry (MS) Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of the Department of Chemistry’s state-of-the-art Mass Spectrometry (MS) Facility. This role involves supervising a team of technicians while ensuring the lab runs efficiently, delivering high-quality results, and meeting client and/or internal research needs. Although this position reports directly to the Department Chair, the incumbent will work closely with the Department’s 32 Principal Investigators (PIs)/Trustholders and their research groups, as well as two nationally renowned research institutes housed in the Department of Chemistry, GlycoNet and The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC).

Duties 

Laboratory & Equipment Operations

• Oversee the operation of 12 MS instruments, including usage scheduling, turn on/off sequence, cleaning, calibration, in-depth troubleshooting, and maintenance and repair scheduling
• Maintain the Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument housed in an Analytical Chemistry teaching lab
• Develop, implement, and monitor standard sample handling methods, efficient quality control procedures, and laboratory, equipment, and experimental SOPs to maintain high standards for data accuracy, quality, and safety

Team Supervision

• Supervise lab/technical staff, including staff training, professional development, and performance evaluations
• May provide training, coaching, and/or mentoring to staff, students, post-doctoral fellows, and other researchers accessing the MS Service Lab

Research Consultation & Collaboration

• Consult with the Department Chair and the MS Service Lab Administrative Committee members to ensure the alignment of lab operations with broader research and teaching goals
• Lead the introduction of new techniques and methods to improve efficiency and scientific outcomes
• Support the development of new mass spectrometry applications and services to expand the MS Service Lab’s capabilities
• Work closely with GlycoNet’s Scientific Director, staff, and researchers to design, test, and evaluate advanced research methodologies, protocols, and techniques to support the advancement of GlycoNet’s research goals and objectives
• Work with various Principal Investigators and researchers to assess, interpret, analyze, and evaluate research findings to support the advancement of research projects
• Assist Principal Investigator(s) in the dissemination of research findings, such as the preparation of articles for publication or the authoring/co-authoring of research papers as requested

Resource Management

• Monitor the MS Service Lab’s budget to ensure the efficient use of resources
• Track and monitor the inventory of chemicals, reagents, lab consumables, and other materials
• Compile and submit monthly internal and external billing information to the Department’s Administrative Coordinator for invoice processing

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and protocols, including hazardous material handling, waste disposal, and lab safety training for students, staff, and researchers
• Conduct regular safety training sessions for lab staff and users, including proper handling of chemicals, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Document and report any lab accidents or safety incidents, and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of safety inspections, training sessions, incident reports, and compliance checks

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry supplemented by a minimum of 3 years of mass spectrometry laboratory work experience in an academic environment
• Knowledge of sample handling for a very wide range of sample types, from small molecules to large proteins and DNA
• Comprehensive experience with mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, MALDI-TOF) in both research and service-based environments
• Extensive experience in a number of chromatography techniques, such as GC and HPLC methods that are compatible with mass spectrometry
• Practical experience and proficiency in using available tools, such as a multi-meter, to troubleshoot instrument communication and electrical issues, including the ability to trace the fault to the exact location on the instrument board
• Advanced computer skills including proficiency in the use of database, spreadsheet and word processing software, such as MS Excel, Word, and Access
• Experience with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for use with MS Access for database programming would be preferred, as programming in VBA will be a necessary component of the position
• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and lab operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Superior problem-solving and critical thinking ability supplemented with strong organizational and time management skills
• Competency to make appropriate decisions under pressure while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality
• Capacity to handle multiple assignments and changing priorities effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision
• Strong initiative and action-oriented with a sense of urgency to get things completed
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to express ideas and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in a manner appropriate to the audience
• Exceptional written skills, composition, editing, and proofreading