Lab Manager - Minerals Analysis (Sudbury Ontario)

Laboratory Manager – Minerals Analysis, Sudbury Canada

About the Role

In the role of Laboratory Manager, you will help build and manage our first in-country laboratory in Sudbury, Canada. You will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the new facility, ensuring the efficient and high-quality processing of mineral exploration samples (ex. soil and stream sediment).  You will develop and guide a high-performing team whose responsibilities include oversight and management of samples from receipt through preparation, analysis, and archiving. You will collaborate with colleagues around the world to guide and improve state-of-the-art software and hardware that supports the laboratory. You will act as the primary lab manager, suggesting and implementing opportunities for continuous process improvement, and ensuring the laboratory delivers accurate, timely, and traceable data to support KoBold’s exploration programs.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory management: ensure safe and efficient operation of the laboratory
• Teamwork: serve as a hands-on team leader, clearly communicate hazards and opportunities for improvement. 
• Oversee analytic workflow: ensure adherence to effective operating procedures that guide sample preparation, instrument operation, sample archiving, and data storage 
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and improve sample preparation and measurement procedures (washing, loading, and automated analysis with analytic instruments) to increase efficiency, precision, and turnaround time. Help develop analytical methods.
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): operate and maintain rigorous QA/QC protocols, utilizing specialized software to track every sample through each stage of the process, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and calibration of all laboratory equipment, minimizing downtime.  
• Stakeholder Communication: Report on laboratory performance, capacity, and quality metrics to the exploration and operations leadership teams.

Qualifications

You must have:

• At least 5 years of laboratory experience in mineral exploration & mining, oil & gas, or a related industry.
• Proven, extensive experience in operating a commercial or exploration mineral laboratory, with a focus on instrumentation for geochemical analysis such as laboratory balances, microscopes, and spectrometers
• Experience with sample preparation methods for various sample types (soil, sediment, rock/drill core).
• A track record of identifying inefficiencies and suggesting or implementing process improvements in a laboratory or operational environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to and familiarity with developing and implementing high standards of health & safety in the workplace
• A high degree of independence and the ability to work effectively with limited supervision while simultaneously feeling comfortable raising issues to teammates
• Excitement about joining a fast-growing, early-stage company, comfort with a dynamic work environment, and eagerness to take on an evolving range of responsibilities.
• Experience working with QA/QC software or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to ensure sample traceability and data quality; high comfort level in interfacing with software development teams.
• Enjoyment in working closely with people in a wide variety of disciplines and different parts of the world
• Ability to explain technical problems to and collaborate on solutions with domain experts from different disciplines. Comfortable asking questions and requesting help. A strong communicator who enjoys working with colleagues across the company.

It is helpful but not required to have:

• Worked in a small company or as a member of a very small team with a broad mandate working in a fast paced project environment. 

KoBold Metals is an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity for people of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Location: Sudbury, Canada. All candidates must be legally authorized to live and work within Canada.

Compensation: $170,000 - $210,000 CAD