FALL 2022 RESEARCH/INTERNSHIP: Student Research Assistant (Fall Intern) – Bio Polymer – Verschuren Centre

Job Title: Student Research Assistant (Fall Intern) – Bio Polymer
Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Salary: Depending on experience
The Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment is an independent clean technology development and deployment facility. We offer client-tailored services to support companies in developing sustainable solutions that meet industry needs.

Our Bio Polymer team is focused on developing greener packaging alternatives through upcycling, recycling, and developing new sustainable materials that provide greater functionality. At the Verschuren Centre, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely developing products for people, animals and the world while taking care of our planet.

To support this challenge, the Bio Polymer team is currently seeking a student research assistant to support its process development activities and do so within a collaborative team environment.

An ideal student research assistant will:

• Be working towards an undergraduate degree in chemistry/engineering/polymer science/material science or similar fields.
• Willing to work with plastic resins, bio-based resins, and chemical additives.
• Have hand hands-on laboratory experience including some training in basic material science techniques – such as, but not limited to, proper chemical and material handling, mixing, preparing samples for analysis, operation of analytical equipment.
• Be organized, and able to record, analyse and present experimental data; willing to work in a small team in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, responsibly and manage time efficiently, and while multi-tasking.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in blending resins and packaging films in the laboratory using the benchtop extruder.
• Prepare chemical additives for incorporation into conventional plastic or bio-based plastic resins.
• Prepare and measure mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of extruded samples according to SOPs and/or ASTM standards.
• Perform primary literature or patent search as required for project/s.
• Book and support the operation of specialized equipment and instruments for internal and external projects.
• Assist in laboratory methodologies and procedures development including writing SOPs related to specific projects.
• Data acquisition and documentation for internal and external communications.
• Complete assigned tasks in a timely and organized manner, following reporting procedure to your supervisor.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory and workstation.
• Observe and promote all lab and occupational health and safety practices in the laboratory environment.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure timely completion of deliverables for SME’s working with the VC.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is a 4 month term and is based out of Sydney, Nova Scotia.

All interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit their cover letter and resume to info@verschurencentre.ca. Please reference the job title in which you are applying for in your cover letter and email subject.