Biologist (Ecotoxicity) - Vancouver, BC VT J
20 hours ago
Job description
About BQEBQE Water has been pioneering sustainable water treatment and environmental solutions for over 20 years. Our innovative technologies and multidisciplinary expertise are redefining how industries manage water—transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for progress.Our Environmental Toxicology Laboratory plays a vital role in this mission by investigating the causes of toxicity in environmental samples, identifying the mechanisms responsible, and developing or recommending practical solutions to remove or reduce toxicity.
The lab supports both research and applied projects, combining biological testing with advanced analytical techniques to help clients meet environmental regulations and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Our team focuses on:
- Toxicity characterization:
- Standard tests: performing acute and chronic toxicity tests with aquatic species following regulatory protocols
- Mechanism and mitigation of toxicity: identifying the mechanisms responsible for toxicity in environmental samples to inform solutions for reducing or removing toxicity
ResponsibilitiesYou'll work closely with a team of scientists and biologists dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms behind observed toxicity, improving testing procedures, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability ofour data.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to environmental protection while building strong technical and analytical skills in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory setting.
Duties will include, but not be limited to:
- Perform biological and chemical analyses on water, sediment, and soil samples following Environment Canada's biological test methods and laboratory SOPs
- Follow SOPs and quality assurance protocols to ensure accuracy, consistency, and traceability of results
- Generate, review, and sign laboratory reports, ensuring data quality control criteria are met prior to release
- Interpret analytical and biological data, identify potential anomalies or interferences, and provide input to corrective actions when required
- Troubleshoot analytical and experimental issues related to sample processing, instrumentation, or test performance
- Assist in developing, validating, and implementing new toxicological methods and protocols
- Contribute to SOP writing, review, and revision to maintain alignment with current regulatory and scientific best practices
- Ensure that laboratory instruments and equipment are properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning within specifications
- Maintain clear, organized, and detailed records of all analyses, observations, and quality control data
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures and ensure compliance with chemical and biological hazard management policies
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-documented work area to support efficient operations and regulatory compliance
- Participate in laboratory meetings, contribute to performance management discussions, and assist with training of junior staff as needed
- Coordinate laboratory projects, ensuring proper scheduling, data integrity, and adherence to QA/QC standards
- Support investigation and documentation of contamination events, interferences, and unexpected results
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor or team leader
- B Sc. Biology or related diploma
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a biology laboratory setting (experience in an ecotoxicology laboratory is preferred)
- Familiarity with lab equipment with some analytical skills
- Safety conscious (mine water samples often contain toxic substances and test methods involve working with dangerous gases and liquids)
- Strong attention to detail and ownership; take responsibility for "getting things right", understanding the value of observation
- Good listener, effective communicator
- Willingness to learn new skills outside of your area of responsibility and help colleagues
- Able to work 5 days a week in our laboratory – this position does not allow working from home
- Must be available to work occasional weekend shifts as part of the laboratory schedule and project needs because of biological agents
Compensation PackageIn addition to the salary, BQE offers:· Up to $1,000 annually in education matching to support employee growth· Paid vacation plus an additional company-wide week of paid leave around the festive period· Health coverage on hire, with an additional company-funded healthcare spending account provided upon probation completion· GRRSP matching up to 5% of salary and a bonus company-funded HSA account on probation completion· Career development support e.g.