Jobs

Research technicians work with research and applied scientists, engineers, IT specialists and other technicians assisting in the laboratory, conducting experiments in the field, and in analytic studies in the office. They work on a variety of problems, such as air quality, cloud physics, ozone, precipitation, weather and environmental prediction, climate, climate variability and change, and satellite observations and applications. They assist in planning and organizing research studies, many of which require the design of completely new techniques and equipment. The technician participates in designing special purpose or unique sensors, and their installation, calibration and operation. For examples of experiments and field work and the types of instruments designed, please click here.

Many of the experiments take place in remote areas, such as the Arctic. Such isolated conditions bring their own challenges. At the home base, these include planning for the purchase and delivery of vehicles, computers and instruments that will withstand the rigours of the journey and the climate. In the field, there is no handy access to replacements for forgotten or unserviceable vehicles or supplies, and the work requires ingenuity and good humour.

The samples collected in the field are chemically analyzed either on-site or in the main laboratory using techniques such as Gas Chromatography (GC), Ion Chromatography (IC), and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results are quality controlled and quality assured before being passed to the scientists.

Back in the office, the data gathered must be analyzed, and this often involves designing and developing the databases and special purpose software, and writing computer programs. The technician can be asked toprepare technical reports and make presentations on the results of the work. He or she can contribute to the writing of research papers and preparation of scientific reports. It is very satisfying to be a part of work that is contributing to improving the environment.

Educational Qualifications

While minimum educational requirements are graduation from a recognized technical or technological institute, many or our technicians are graduates from an accredited university in an atmospheric or related field, such as meteorology, physical sciences, environmental sciences, physical geography, atmospheric physics, atmospheric chemistry, oceanography, or mathematics. A Master's degree or research experience are an asset.

Other Career Options

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