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
The Manager, Laboratory Operations provides strategic and operational leadership to a specialized team of scientists and technologists delivering advanced laboratory research in extraction technologies, materials performance, mine tailings characterization, special core analysis, and PVTC (Pressure-Volume-Temperature-Composition) testing. This role is accountable for the execution of complex research initiatives and the operational excellence of the IEIC laboratory, ensuring alignment with SAIT and ARIS strategic priorities.
The Manager is responsible for the overall planning, execution, and quality assurance of laboratory activities, ensuring that work is conducted efficiently, safely, and in accordance with the highest technical standards. This includes oversight of the IEIC Lab Services team, vendor and stakeholder relationships, and stewardship of industry partnerships that impact the institutional reputation. The incumbent will also lead knowledge mobilization efforts, including training sessions and technical workshops that strengthen IEIC’s research impact and engagement with the IORL community.
This position requires substantial leadership experience in managing multidisciplinary research portfolios, deep technical acumen across a range of laboratory disciplines, and the ability to navigate institutional, commercial, and regulatory environments. The ideal candidate will be an expert troubleshooter with a commitment to safety, innovation, and scientific integrity, as well as strong capabilities in reporting to executives and funding agencies at the provincial and federal levels. Lab staff – 15 will report to this position.
This position requires portfolio management, expert knowledge of lab safety and regulatory compliance, advance team leadership, coaching and staff development. Key institutional relationship and stakeholder management as well as across industry, academia and various levels of government. There is a high-level of technical communication required, reporting and documentation. Strategic process improvement and change leadership skills are critical.
Note: This role is based out of our lab located in Quarry Park.
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The Role
Laboratory Management & Technical Oversight
Provide strategic leadership and technical direction for the IEIC lab programs.
Ensure rigorous QA/QC standards are embedded in all lab activities
Oversee project workflows, lab resources planning and execution timelines
Represent IEIC in cross-functional and cross-institutional research discussions
Manage laboratory schedules, and allocate resources effectively.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal laboratory protocols. Including the management of laboratory access.
Monitor laboratory expenditures and manage operations within approved project budgets.
Provide Portfolio Management for the IEIC suite of research projects and Fee for Service contracts
Equipment & Infrastructure Management
Oversee lab staff to ensure regular calibration, servicing, and repair of laboratory equipment to ensure operational readiness.
Manage capital equipment planning and support infrastructure renewal initiatives
Oversee calibration standards and ensure audit readiness for compliance
Oversee the development of maintenance schedules for lab equipment.
Direct effective, efficient execution of lab equipment maintenance.
Ensure that calibration logs and all equipment comply with quality assurance standards and legal agreements.
Ensure staff are trained on proper operation and care of laboratory equipment.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Lead process optimization effort to enhance lab performance and safety
Direct and standardized protocols and methodologies to improve consistency and quality.
Review and evaluate new and emerging techniques, tools or equipment to enhance lab capabilities
Collaborate with project and technical stakeholders to align lab improvements with evolving research and project needs.
Works closely with Technologists to solicit and evaluate feedback for process improvements.
Promote a culture of innovation, efficiency and continuous learning within the team
Vendor & Logistics/Resource Management
Develop and manage relationships with external vendors and service providers for laboratory consumables, chemicals, and equipment.
Oversee procurement strategies, inventory management and supply chain logistics for lab operation
Provide leadership support at field sites as required
Talent Development and Performance Management
Provide mentorship, coaching and technical guidance to the team
Lead workforce development strategies for staff
Conduct regular check-ins to monitor progress, set goals, and provide constructive feedback on performance for senior leaders.
Ensure ongoing professional development opportunities are in place to build a high performing, adaptive and safety focused team
Strategic Reporting and Committee Representation
Serve as the lead liaison to the IEIC Lab Research Committee
Provide accurate and strategic reporting of the lab activities, project outcomes and performance metrics to the Lab Committee
Contribute to institutional research planning through participation in governance structures
Sit on the ARIS strategic planning committee
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Petroleum Engineering or related field; a Master's degree is preferred
A P.Eng is required
Minimum of 10 years in building science and research leadership;
Minimum 10 years in a Supervisory role with at least 3 years in a Senior Leadership role
Minimum 5 years in in the oil and gas industry
WHMIS certification is preferred
Strong understanding of laboratory building design and project management.
Proven ability to manage budgets, optimize resources, and oversee procurement activities.
Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance practices.
Demonstrated success in managing high-stakes research partnerships with industry and government
Strong communication skills with experience preparing reports for senior executive and funding agencies
Proven ability to lead change, foster innovation and inspire high-performance teams.
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Job classification: Manager
Salary range: $110,000 - 140,000
Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year
of positions: 1
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Posting closing date: Open until position 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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