1250 Grand Lake Road,
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1P 6L2
T 902-563-1292 | E info@verschurencentre.ca | www.verschurencentre.ca
Job Title: Net-Zero Approaches – Student Internship (Bio Polymers,
Smart Plastics)
Location: In-person; Sydney, Nova Scotia Term: 16 weeks (April – August 2023) Hours per week: 35
(or equivalent)
Salary: Depending on experience ($18-21/hour)
Program of Study: Engineering, Resource, Environmental Studies Engineering, Bioengineering,
Microbiology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Food Sciences (Science, Information Technology) Deadline to
Apply: March 15, 2023
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. The Centre was established
to facilitate a transition to a green and circular economy through supporting innovative clean
technology commercialization. The Centre has an established team of expertise in key areas to
assist companies advance IP and accelerate uptake in manufacturing and primary production
industries. Areas of specialty include industrial and agriculture bioprocessing, carbon and polymer
materials, thermal energy transitioning & storage and climate mitigation in aquaculture. Through
the Centre’s collaborative approach and cutting-edge pilot scale test facilities clients can
develop their IP, while connecting with partners, markets and business development support to reach
their market.
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 student research assistant to support its process development
activities and do so within a collaborative team environment.
Description:
We invite you to help our Net-Zero and Industry Transformation teams shape the future of cleantech
in the global bioresource sector. 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/Smart Plastics team is currently seeking a
student research assistant to support product/process development activities and do so within a
collaborative team environment.
The student will perform various tasks which include but are not limited to collection and analysis
of energy consumption and production data from various sources, data collection from energy
monitoring systems, assessment of existing renewable energy system performance, assessment of the
technical and economic potential of renewable energy projects, research of various energy related
subjects, participation in site visits, community engagement and project implementation.
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.
Qualifications:
• 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
muti-tasking.
and email subject.
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
**This role is only open to students in a current Co-op education program, the Post Baccalaureate diplomas do not qualify as a Co-op education program.**
All interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit their cover letter and resume to
student_jobs@cbu.ca Please reference the job title in which you are applying for in your cover
letter.