SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. ARIS is on the leading edge of novel technology development. As one of Canada’s top applied-research colleges, SAIT has 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and full-time research staff who are solely dedicated to providing the services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.
The Opportunity
As a Mine Tailings Applied Research Scientist/Engineer, you will be responsible for studying and developing innovative solutions for the management, consolidation, stability, and environmental impact of mine tailings. This role involves conducting geotechnical, mineralogical, and chemical analysis to assess tailings composition, behaviour, and potential for reuse or remediation. You will investigate dewatering techniques, tailings consolidation, and alternative storage methods to improve sustainability and reduce environmental risks. Utilizing laboratory testing, field sampling, and modelling techniques, you will analyze factors such as settlement, seepage, and contaminant to enhance tailings management practices. Collaboration with industry partner geologists, environmental scientists, and engineers will be essential to develop safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible tailings solutions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
Strong analytical skills, project management experience, attention to detail and a passion for innovation are essential for success in this role. This role requires consistent attention to confidentiality and strict adherence to SAIT’s non- disclosure policies.
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The Role
Lab Activities
Take direction for scope and objective of experiments
Develop testing methodologies, verification and validation
Characterization of Tailings : analyzing composition and properties of tailings
Particle size distribution analysis
Determine plasticity and liquidity of fine-grained tailings to asses their behaviour under different moisture conditions
Compaction & Consolidation Tests – Evaluating tailings settlement, permeability, and shear strength to optimize storage and stability
Rheological Testing – Measuring the flow behavior of tailings slurries to improve transport and deposition strategies
Environment and water quality testing – water retention and filtration tests pH and Redox potential measurements
Microbial analysis
Collection and dissemination of data to industry partner
Preparation of analytical reports
Designing and building experiments for tailing testing
Optimization of existing experiments for tailing testing
Tailings Treatment and Reuse Studies
Develop methods to treat tailings and reduce their water content, volume and environmental footprint
Enhance dewatering processes
Flocculation & Thickening Tests – Testing chemical additives to enhance tailings settling, water recovery, and dry stacking feasibility
Closure Plans
Inform strategies for the safe and sustainable closure of tailings ponds and other ore waste management facilities
Track Consumables, Ordering Materials
Track all consumables used in the execution of the research
Prepare invoices for the industry partner
Order consumables and keep necessary materials and supplies in good order to all for continuous operation of the lab work
Required Qualifications & Experience
Chemical Engineering Technology , Power Engineering Technology, or Petroleum Engineering diploma
3+ years demonstrated lab research experience in petroleum engineering, geology or geophysics, chemical engineering
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree or combination of education and experience in a senior technical role
5+ years of experience in a senior field role petroleum engineering
Skills Required
WHIMS
Hydrology
Geotechnical and soil mechanics
Environmental impact and remediation
Data analysis and modelling
Particle sizing, leachability testing
Operation of large-scale tailing preparation equipment
Operation of FBRM (Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement) Equipment
Flume and column cells testing
Tailings consolidation, permeability rheological studies
Report writing and documentation
Strong communication, both written and verbal
Excellent organizational and time management
Excellent time management and able to work in a high-pressure environment
High degree of organizational skills, and problem-solving ability, given the dynamic and often confidential nature of research projects
High degree of confidentiality and discretion
Willingness to embrace new ideas, methods, and work environments
Adjusting workflows and priorities as partner needs shift
Seeking opportunities for upskilling and acquiring new competencies
Working effectively with different teams during day-to-day tasks performance, including the implementation and sustain change
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Job classification: Technologist III
Salary range: $64,625.60 - $ 83,928.00
of positions: 1
Hours Per Week: 40
Posting closing date: Open until position is filled
About SAIT
SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.
Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.
At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.
SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.
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