LAB TECHNICIAN

Work with AdvEn:

Are you looking for a position that provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world? Our company is growing and expanding, and we want to hear from people who would like to be a part of a company culture that is diverse, dynamic, collaborative, and innovative. If you are ready for an interesting, challenging and rewarding career with AdvEn, we’d love to hear from you. Our complete compensation package includes a competitive salary and amazing benefits.

About AdvEn:

AdvEn develops and commercializes a variety of clean technologies that manufacture high value-added materials from bitumen-derived refinery residues. Our facility in Nisku serves as the hub for operations leadership and an advanced Research and Development lab.

The Role:

Based in Nisku, AB, the duties of the lab technician should focus on supporting the development of the latest coating technologies for the preparation of self-supporting electrode films used in supercapacitors (SCs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The new hire will collaborate with other team members in the dry electrode lab/pilot production to optimize processing parameters and ensure production speed while assessing production feasibility. The new hire should understand the working principles of SCs and LIBs, be familiar with the testing methods, and possess significant experience in fabricating and measuring the performance of SCs/LIBs. Additionally, the team member should have excellent oral and written communication skills and be capable of organizing their work using tools like MS Office and office equipment. Ultimately, a successful lab technician should ensure efficiency in identifying the fundamental properties of the fabricated films, keeping detailed records, and generating reports as necessary. Furthermore, the lab technician should work closely with engineers, scientists, and other R&D team members, ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed.

Principal Accountabilities:

· Setting up experiments to measure the fundamental properties of a) feedstocks including activated carbons for supercapacitors and cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion batteries; b) auxiliary materials including binding materials, conductive agents and other additives needed for film production.

· Setting up experiments to measure the fundamental properties of fabricated films including film density, film strength and elongation, active materials loading, moisture level and film purity as needed.

· Setting up experiments to make electrodes for SCs and LIBs based on the requirements.

· Assembling the pouch cells of SCs and coin cells of LIBs for testing.

· Testing the cell performances of SCs and LIBs prepared.

· Be familiar with all the testing protocols and strictly follow the testing procedures to guarantee the accuracy of the testing results.

· Keeping detailed records of the testing and testing results.

· Working closely with engineers, scientists, and other R&D team members.

· Adhering to safety guidelines, identifying and reporting newly discovered safety hazards promptly, and creating safety protocols as needed.

· Ordering and managing the inventory of materials and chemicals needed for testing.

· Attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed about the technology trends and breakthroughs.

· Providing valuable inputs for process improvement and efficiency enhancement.

· Identifying and troubleshooting the root cause and adjusting as needed.

· Maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment used to ensure the reliability of experiments conducted.

Working Conditions:

· In-person laboratory presence required, primarily in a laboratory environment.

· Infrequent weekend or evening work may be required.

· AdvEn’s operations are paperless therefore this role will require someone who is technologically proficient and computer-savvy

Desired Qualifications:

· Proven at least one year of experience as a lab assistant, research associate, or lab technician.

· Ability to work independently and efficiently.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams) and Origin Lab.

· Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work.

· Strong oral, written and analytical skills; self-directed and accountable.

· Attention to details and problem-solving skills.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.

· College/University Degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering.

· Preferred experience or knowledge in Organic Chemistry.

· Positive work attitude, diligent and responsible.

Reports to:

· Director of Research and Development