Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To serve as the Ministry's resource, scientific expert/authority and spokesperson in the area of environmental analytical chemistry, specifically organic chemistry, persistent organic pollutants, and organic mass spectrometry (MS) including: gas chromatography and liquid chromatography (GC & LC), chemical ionization MS (CIMS), time-of-flight MS (TOFMS), tandem MS (MS/MS), high resolution MS (HRMS), Fourier Transform (Ion Cyclotron Resonance) MS [FT(ICR)MS], accurate mass determinations and mass spectral interpretation of data from all types of mass spectrometers and sample matrices.
To provide scientific direction, guidance and expertise to design, develop, conduct and/or modify and direct the application of new analytical systems used for conducting tests in a major environmental laboratory and to provide scientific leadership at a senior level to the applied research aligned with the branch and division's operational mandate. As an internationally known researcher, to consult with scientific peers in universities and other institutions across Canada, the US and abroad.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Work is performed under the general direction of the Assistant Director and Director in a highly automated analytical laboratory performing analysis of environmental samples to identify toxic chemicals/substances in Ontario's land, air and water. Work includes possible exposure to potentially harmful samples and chemicals. The Position has the following responsibilities:

1. Planning, designing, executing and delivering a comprehensive research program involving a number of individual projects and/or independent conduct of a highly specialized research program in environmental analytical chemistry with specific emphasis on organic pollutants in the environment; designing projects and arranging for laboratory scientists and participation by specialized university departments, other government jurisdictions, including the Federal Government. Overseeing and participating in the method development and research conducted by ministry scientists within the branch and providing guidance, direction and support to the branch's continuous improvement mandate including the research and development process. Leading and participating in the division Center of Excellence for Environmental Pollutants and highlighting the accomplishments of the branch and ministry by presenting/authoring/reporting on the achievements.

2. As a Ministry and internationally recognized expert in the following areas of expertise: e.g. trace analysis of organic compounds and persistent organic pollutants by advanced techniques including mass spectrometric t techniques and manual and automated sample preparation, developing strategies and programs to advance the scientific knowledge frontiers in organic and organic forensic environmental analysis. Consulting with other research scientists studying the field and maintaining a current knowledge in these fields. Advising the Directors and the ADM of the Environmental Sciences and Standards Division regarding the current and future directions for the Division's environmental science programs. Advising the Branch Director on strategic analytical science programs and the required infrastructure.

3. Liaising with University officials to arrange participation in post graduate research programs involving post doctoral fellowships, university scientific research projects supported by Ministry funding, and arranging for cooperative studies and student assistance with the scientific research studies underway. Providing scientific support to the national and international scientific community and education and training on the application of technologies and techniques in the area of environmental analytical chemistry including organic mass spectrometry.

4. Preparing scientific reports and peer reviewed papers, serving as Ministry technical expert on intergovernmental and international committees and working groups, providing expert scientific knowledge, advice, guidance to other scientists involved in the study of environmental analytical chemistry issues including discussing implications and significance of contamination found, new advancements in scientific knowledge and technologies and leading to recommended actions to develop quicker and more effective analytical processes using a range of analytical instrumentation costing from $250,000 to $1.5 million each
5. Making presentations, attending public meetings, and national and international meetings, as a representative of the Ministry, as well as reviewing and advising on external reports. Representing the branch, division and ministry on committees, scientific teams and projects and collaborate and interact with the scientific community to advance scientific research in support of the ministry's mandate. Providing management with summary reports on the outcomes of the meetings; highlighting and explaining in clear terms any contentious scientific issues. Developing innovative scientific research studies and recommendations on mass spectrometric advances. Preparing briefing notes for senior management, providing results of research, significance and recommendations for various audiences.

6. Providing scientific research leadership and guidance to scientific staff participating in analyses for the identification and quantitation of organic compounds in environmental samples . Training and directing work of junior staff and scientists on a project/study basis and current analytical techniques as a technical project leader or in the absence of the manager. Providing technical direction and assignment of tasks to others and self to ensure that branch service delivery targets are maintained.

7. Leading, overseeing and participating in the analysis of samples. Preparing samples of various types and conducting analysis using complex scientific equipment; performing data verification and quality control procedures to ensure reliability of results; performing data approvals of own and others data as per branch standard operating procedures and processes, in both manual and electronic format, to release data from the unit/section which may include multiple functions within several databases. Reviewing and approving own data, and data produced by other staff; compiling data into a certificate of analysis. Approving release of interim Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) APP2 and/or APP3 approval level or final data on findings to clients, including interpreting data.

8. Providing scientific advice, guidance and leadership to customers regarding interpretation of data, selection of analysis and sampling techniques. Notifying clients and the manager of exceedances of objectives, guidelines and standards [e.g. Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards (ODWQS)] following current protocols and SOPs.

9. Leading, coordinating and training others in the identification of unknown organic compounds by a combination of the following techniques: computer-based library searching, interpretation of mass spectra from first principles, CIMS (positive and/or negative), accurate mass determinations, MS/MS, FT(ICR)MS and its related techniques electron capture dissociation (ECD), sustained off resonance irradiation-collision induced dissociation (SORI-CID), infrared multi-photon dissociation (IRMPD) and other analytical techniques. Evaluating and assessing the identification of unknowns and analysis performed by other scientists within the branch.

10. Participating in the branch and divisional long term strategy for equipment replacement and procurement by recommending new technologies and techniques and participating in the evaluation of existing equipment. Preparing documentation for the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment costing over $1 million each requiring the development of complex business cases to justify such levels of investment by the Ministry; (the approval process can take up to two years due to the size of the requests). Participating in tendering process, including the development of tender documents and the evaluation of bids; providing recommendations and input into equipment replacement planning based on knowledge of existing equipment.

11. Preparing and submitting scientific papers for peer review, and/or publishing in scientific journals or by the Ministry and the Queen's Printer. Providing peer review of submissions to international journals, presenting findings at national/international conferences, discussing scientific findings and their impact on national/global environmental monitoring approaches. Providing advice and assistance on research problems to specialists in own and allied fields.

12. Operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and modifying complex, automated, computerized analytical systems relevant to the work of the branch. Determining and resolving the source/cause of highly complex issues by adjusting/manipulating and/or introducing new methods and equipment. Carrying out and/or directing service and repairs of highly complex analytical equipment through expert knowledge of the design, construction and application of the equipment. Using knowledge of design, construction and operation of advanced instrumentation to make equipment modifications to improve capability, capacity and quality of sample analysis, and to improve data processing capabilities. Preparing samples of various types and conducting analysis using complex to highly complex scientific equipment; preparing and analyzing litigation samples according to standard operating procedures; preparing scientific evidence for judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings (analytical methodologies, results of chemical analyses). Acting as Designated Analyst responsible for Certificate of Analysis generation and expert witness as necessary. Provides support to Legal Services Branch for hearings and prosecutions.

13. Providing input and recommendations into the branch and section QM/QA/QC system to ensure that high quality analytical results are generated. Performing statistical tests using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), specialized instrument software, and other spreadsheet applications to report data. Performing complex data manipulations to verify, interpret and assess data. Documenting and verifying any data manipulation programs and protocols within the group. Using statistics to evaluate quality data and to recommend and implement changes to the quality system. Demonstrating understanding of the impacts of failures within the quality system and reacting to them appropriately. Performing root cause analysis and taking remedial actions. Documenting and analyzing Corrective actions, preventative actions and non-conformances with respect to section operations and branch quality system. Performing all work in accordance with branch and section quality policies and procedures including records management, training, and documentation control and retrieval.

14. Developing guidelines, standard operating procedures, and directives related to environmental analytical analysis and environmental forensics for use by other ministry staff and the international community.

15. As a Ministry expert witness in organic analysis including environmental forensics, appearing in court or at board hearings to give testimony and to provide expert opinion and/or evidence for legal proceedings.

16. Participating in asset management by ensuring that assets within the complex are being fully utilized and identifying assets for disposal. Completes documentation for assets to be disposed.

17. Working in accordance with OPS, Ministry, branch and section SOPs in a safe manner including compliance with OHSA.

18. Acting for, and supporting group leader(s), other scientists, and/or manager(s) across the branch as assigned and participating in the branch's rotating emergency on-call schedule for immediate response.

19. Other duties as assigned

Staffing and Licencing :

Graduate degree, at PhD level, in Chemistry. In accordance with the Class Standard, the incumbent must have achieved international recognition as an authority in own field in order to be classified at the Research Scientist 5 level

Knowledge :

Position requires thorough knowledge of theory and application of organic chemistry, based on a doctorate degree in science, plus extensive additional study in these fields in order to serve as a research authority for the Ministry. Position requires extensive knowledge of related scientific areas, (e.g. other fields of chemistry, biology, physics, and toxicology), to provide scientific direction, guidance and expertise in the development of new analytical systems used for conducting tests in an environmental laboratory.
Position requires extensive knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of mass spectrometry, analytical, environmental and organic chemistry, including extensive knowledge/experience in GC & LC, CIMS, TOFMS, MS/MS, HRMS, FT(ICR)MS (ECD, IRMPD, SORI-CID), accurate mass determinations and mass spectral interpretation in order to oversee the work being performed in the unit's laboratories and provide guidance and direction to the staff.
Position requires knowledge of scientific and innovative research techniques, as evidenced by research findings which have been published and recognized internationally as outstanding contributions. Position requires thorough knowledge of sample preparation techniques in order to perform and monitor the quality of the work being performed in the unit's laboratories.
Position requires expert knowledge of the analysis of compounds in environmental samples to provide analytical services/advice in support of Ministry programs, emergency response and litigation. Position requires knowledge of principles of instrumental analysis, including chromatographic systems, detector systems and associated computer, electronics and principles of physics (including optics and ion optics) to guide staff in the selection of the appropriate instrumentations and techniques for particular applications.
Position requires knowledge of design, construction and operation of laboratory analytical systems in order to design, construct, implement new methods, oversee equipment modifications, and to develop comprehensive business case recommendations for the purchase of additional and replacement scientific equipment each costing from $250,000 to $500,000 and up.
Position requires knowledge of applicable and available software (e.g. using LIMS, Excel and Access programs) and hardware, including instrumental control programs, networking theories, and data manipulation packages to ensure data points are collected, data manipulation is performed correctly and data transfer steps are traceable. Position requires knowledge of statistics, experimental design, reliability theory and quality management principles to design and implement data management procedures and ensure data quality, e.g. proving equivalence or superiority of methods.
Position requires knowledge of information management systems, their relationship to laboratory data processing and the design and modification of data processing macros to automate data reporting and ensure data quality. Position requires knowledge of relevant environmental legislation, including international and national legislation, e.g. Environmental Protection Act, Regulation 347, Safe Drinking Water Act and Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards, to ensure laboratory related requirements, such as detection limits, precision and accuracy are met and that the Ministry maintains scientific expertise, to inform the scientific community of new developments that could impact on existing programs, e.g. exceedences of drinking water objectives, guidelines and standards.
Position requires knowledge of ministry programs in order to provide customer service, participate in emergency on-call, to represent the ministry as an expert and to determine research opportunities.
Position requires knowledge of OPS policies and procedures in order to participate in procurement, emergency on-call, records management, etc.
Position requires knowledge of rules to provide opinion or factual testimony in legal proceedings. Position requires knowledge of project management techniques to document progress, and ensure accountability of actions taken and resources used when managing project development.
Position requires knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation and current practices, roles, and responsibilities e.g. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Skills :

Position requires research and analytical skills at an expert level to conduct independent and/or leading edge research, testing new theories in the design and development of new analytical methods having far-reaching results, summarizing findings and preparing reports.
Position requires using logic and analysis when drawing conclusions, predicting outcomes, and taking and/or recommending action, e.g. re-test using a new mass spectrometric technique.
Position requires diagnostic, analytical and evaluative skills to carry out evaluation of science at hand, critique of findings of self or others, to arrive at conclusions, determine actions and to provide presentation to persuade others as to the appropriateness and reasonableness of the findings in environmental samples, e.g. evaluating new methodologies.
Position requires considering variables such as resource consumption, potential cost and program implications when determining scope and priority of assignment, presenting research findings and suggesting future directions or actions.
Position requires project management skills to develop methods in a time-frame suitable to the client as well as predicting and adhering to cost, staff and equipment resource projections, and to organize own highly specialized research program or provide project supervision and guidance to scientific staff and university post doctorate fellows in identifying objectives, protocols and procedures and resources requirements.
Position requires planning and organizing skills, as a scientific project leader, to coordinate group activities and workload priorities, ensuring all projects in area of expertise are completed on time, e.g. specialty testing for legal action or emergency response.
Position requires planning and organizational skills in order to analyze the need for additional or new equipment or resources through critical review of project objectives, quality control data and operations activities, schedules and client needs.
Position requires skill in planning and coordinating special studies in response to local, national and international requests, including determining scope of research projects, resources required and project priorities.
Position requires analytical test skills in order to participate in the sample testing and method development.
Position requires written communication skills and fluency in software such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, LlMS, and other software to prepare scientific reports/papers for publication, to present findings at conferences, to respond to inquiries relevant to papers, findings, and interpretations, to document new or revised laboratory methods, to prepare project progress reports and to train staff in the unit.
Position requires oral communication skills to provide guidance when discussing problems, and to discuss new/revised methods and findings with clients.
Position requires written and oral communication skills to present arguments when providing testimony in court during legal proceedings, and to represent the ministry on external committees.
Position requires written and oral communication skills to work with clients to establish data quality objectives for new method development and be able to develop methods to meet these criteria.
Position requires interpersonal communication skills to negotiate resource allocations (e.g. use of specific equipment, specialty testing), to explain results or problem resolutions, and to represent the Ministry at conferences and in court as an expert witness

Freedom of Action :

Position requires working within Ministry and relevant environmental legislation, policies, procedures, precedents, and operational manuals.
Position requires judgement in determining the scope of all problems or issues within own area of expertise including anticipating implications and impacts of related areas and proceeding on course of action, e.g. interpreting data for internal and external clients, arranging for additional analyses and for laboratory documentation updates.
Position requires judgement in dealing with problems and issues independently, and recommending and implementing courses of action.
Position requires judgement and discretion in providing independent peer review as a Ministry expert, and participating on provincial, national and international committees to further Ministry's objectives and to obtain cooperation for mutual benefit in scientific and technology development and transfer.
Position requires judgement in providing specialized strategic advice to management, such as when advising the Branch Director on strategic analytical science programs and related infrastructure.
Position requires judgement in providing the Manager with concise updating of progress on projects.
Job may require interaction and collaboration with scientific communities by periodic participation in external activities subject to approval by the ministry's Ethics Executive (e.g. as a scientific association committee chair or member, adjunct professor, guest lecturer, graduate studies faculty member, graduate advisory committee member, graduate student supervisor, student education and training, stakeholder led committee chair and participant, board member or advisory board member of not for profit organizations (e.g. CALA), externally organized instrument/technology user groups chair or participant, and interaction with stakeholder laboratories etc.).
During the on-call period, the position requires the incumbent to contact other branch staff to participate in emergency sample testing.
Work performed by the Position is accepted as accurate and scientifically justified, e.g. the publication of own research in peer-¬reviewed journals or testimony in court during legal proceedings.
Position requires judgement in anticipating potential problems, e.g. health risks, safety issues, and taking proactive measures, including consulting with the Manager.
Position requires judgement and discretion in notifying the Manager and clients of exceedences of standards (e.g. Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards), objectives and guidelines.
Job requires utilization and maximization of branch resources such that the ministry's objectives are in accordance with all OPS policies and procedures and the ministry, division and branch strategic plan