Laboratory Technician Co-op

Who we are…CERT Systems Inc (CERT) is on a mission to produce essential molecules without fossil fuels. Our breakthrough electrochemical route to convert captured CO2 into valuable fuels and chemical feedstocks means that we can help the planet avoid over 500 million tonnes of emissions by 2040.Who YOU are…You are a detail-oriented, proactive and hands-on student from an undergraduate science program or college chemical technician program. You are excited about keeping a cutting-edge laboratory environment running safely, efficiently and smoothly. A startup environment excites you because you will be exposed to a wide range of technical challenges and get to work directly with advanced R&D equipment.Working closely under the direction of the Lab Manager, you are equally comfortable managing chemical inventory, performing routine maintenance on precision laboratory and workshop equipment and jumping in to troubleshoot technical requests as they arise.The successful candidate will:

• Support Lab Leadership: Report directly to the Lab Manager to coordinate daily tasks, communicate facility needs and provide regular updates on laboratory status.
• Safety & Compliance Support: Assist the Lab Manager with routine environmental health and safety (EHS) activities, including conducting safety equipment inspections (e.g., eye-wash stations, first aid kits) and updating the digital Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library.
• Manage Laboratory Operations & Inventory: Conduct regular inventory checks and log crucial supplies, including gas cylinders, chemicals, waste management and common laboratory consumables.
• Maintain Laboratory Equipment: Perform routine maintenance on critical laboratory hardware, specifically Gas Chromatographs (GCs), mass flow controllers (MFC/MFM), pumps, MilliQ water systems, pH probes and balances.
• Support Workshop Operations: Maintain workshop equipment and fabrication tools, including power tools, hand tools, 3D printers and die-cutting machines.
• Validate & Calibrate Instruments: Execute and accurately log the validation and calibration of critical experimental equipment (GCs, pH probes, MFC/MFM, pumps and balances).
• Prepare Standards & Reagents: Prepare and maintain stocks of crucial solutions, including DI water, catholyte/anolyte solutions and various chemical solvents.
• Troubleshoot & Problem Solve: Receive, execute and thoroughly document internal technical and equipment troubleshoot requests, escalating complex issues to the Lab Manager to minimize laboratory downtime.

Required skills:

• Currently enrolled in a co-op program within an Undergraduate Science program (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Science) or a College Chemical Technician / Technology program.
• Strong hands-on experimental, mechanical, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail, task logging, and reporting.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety protocols and chemical handling practices (WHMIS).
• Strong teamwork, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to follow technical directions closely while working independently in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience working in a wet lab, chemical R&D environment, or academic chemistry lab.
• Familiarity with gas chromatography (GC) or automated fluid/gas handling systems.
• Experience or comfort using basic workshop tools and 3D printers.
• Startup, R&D, or cleantech experience is considered an asset.

4, 8, 12, or 16 month internships available, must be registered in co-op program through university or college program. August or September start date.