Senior Organic Chemistry Research Scientist

Do you want to play a critical role in applying laboratory science to help improve environmental health? Then consider this opportunity to showcase your expertise in in scientific direction, guidance and expertise as well as in designing, developing, and conducting laboratory analyses.

Why join the OPS?

Work among talented and diverse employees driven by a common purpose to do meaningful work in service of Ontario. We offer:
• comprehensive benefits that look after your holistic wellness needs
• base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours and more
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will be required to:
• serve as the ministry's resource, scientific expert and spokesperson in the area of environmental analytical chemistry, specifically organic chemistry,
• provide scientific direction, guidance and expertise to design, develop, and implement analytical systems used for conducting organic laboratory analyses,
• provide scientific leadership at a senior level to the applied research aligned with the branch and division's operational mandate.
• help oversee, integrate and report on the branch's research activities,
• work collaboratively with other scientist and mutual assistance as needed to fulfill the branch's priorities,
• consult with scientific peers in universities and other institutions across Canada, the US and abroad,
• conduct applied research work to support and enhance branch's service delivery, and
• assist with the branch's support for the ministry's legal program.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must have a Graduate degree at PhD level in Chemistry.

Scientific Knowledge

• Strong technical/scientific knowledge, skills and experience to develop, lead and oversee new projects for known and unknown organic contaminants. This includes both theoretical and hands-on work in project design, project management and oversight to completion.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of the theories, instruments, principles and practices of environmental and organic chemistry, including GC, GCxGC, GCMS, GCMSMS, GCHRMS, LCMSMS, LCHRMS.
• Knowledge of applicable and available software (e.g. using LIMS, Excel programs), including instrumental control programs, and data manipulation packages.
• Experience with applying Ontario environmental regulations and guidelines to laboratory work.

Leadership Skills

• Strong leadership skills in technical and scientific areas of organic and environmental pollutants and proven ability to lead and mentor staff, oversee and direct method development work by scientists, technologists and students) as well as to perform hands-on laboratory work.
• Ability to lead and engage staff in support of strategic projects that support the government.
• Demonstrated experience in training and developing training programs, as supervisor/co-supervisor to graduate students and/or as adjunct professor.

Teamwork and stakeholder relationships

• Broad demonstrated knowledge and experience collaborating on multiple method development/applied research projects often in multiple disciplines, with primary strength in organic chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to apply tact and openmindedness as a team player with excellent listening and negotiation skills.
• Flexibility and ability to take on a wide range of practical, theoretical or administrative tasks to address the branch's priorities in the area of organic chemistry.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with broad range of government, academic and private sector partners providing expertise guidance as a recognized expert both internal to the organization and internationally.
• Demonstrated ability to lead scientific committees and working groups.

Other Skills

• Strong demonstrated written and verbal communications skills to write and deliver academic papers, presentations, project reports, internal lab methods and Standard Operation Procedures, public lab method guidance documents that underpin environmental legislations.
• Ability to communicate technical information to a broad range of audiences, including Directors, Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADM) and Deputy Ministers, including providing or contributing to briefing materials, information notes, expert opinions and options analyses.
• Ability to support procurement by researching available products, setting specifications and evaluation methods, writing procurement documentation and evaluating bids from vendors.
• Ability to support the branch's quality system by writing and reviewing controlled documents, participate in laboratory quality audits, perform final review of lab reports, contribute to root cause investigations in the case of non-conformances.