Research and Development Lab Assistant - Co-op

Job description

100% Canadian Owned and Operated – Since 1887

About the Job Reporting directly to the Manager Product Development, you will work closely with our Product Development Team to support R&D projects, and contribute by performing high-quality lab experiments and analysis. The majority of your daily responsibilities will include the preparation of emulsions or other formulated products, chemical analysis, and application testing. The hourly pay rate for this position is $20/hr. This position is a 1 year co-op placement starting January 2027.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Supports Innovation Projects by performing experiments and analysis. Works closely with the Product Development and Innovation Chemists and the R&D Team towards the development of new products for new applications and markets.

- Work on assigned Technical Service (WO) and R&D projects by performing, analyzing and reporting of the experiments. Works closely together with the Manager of Product Development to meet critical deadlines and support our Sales and Business Development teams.

- Uses analytical equipment in the laboratory. Expected to become experienced in operating sophisticated equipment such as TGA, DSC, particle sizing, optical microscope, and surface tension analyzer.

- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of experiments, results, and samples in the Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and other internal tools, ensuring data is traceable and easy for the team to retrieve and use.

- Displays outstanding laboratory Health and Safety awareness.

Here’s What You Need

- Experience: No prior work experience required; CO-OP experience in a chemical laboratory or production environment will be considered and asset.

- Education: Enrolled in a College Diploma or University Degree program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.

- License: Valid Driver’s License considered beneficial but not required for the position.

The Company will provide safety training and necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), except safety boots already owned by the candidate.

What’s in it for you

- You become part of a team you can count on

- Leaders who support your growth and success

- A workplace that provides the best health & safety practices in industry

- Give back to your community with two paid volunteer days annually and opportunities to become involved in events

Working at Walker

At Walker, your contribution matters. Become part of a team you can count on and where your health and safety are our priority. Our team of more than 1200 people work in environmental waste management and recovery, renewable energy, paving and construction, aggregates, and emulsions chemistries. We are a fifth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1887, operating from our base in the Niagara Region with facilities across Canada and the United States. We care about the environment, each other, and our neighbours, and give back to our communities. Join us on our journey to build a sustainable future, together.

At Walker, diversity, equity and inclusion are core values. We celebrate a culture that respects varied backgrounds and life experiences and actively encourage women and under-represented groups to apply and thrive here. We value a diverse workforce, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Walker Industries does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants. Hiring decisions are made by qualified professionals to maintain a fair, human-led process.

Should you require any accommodation in applying for this role, or throughout the interview process, please let us know when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.