Senior Biologist

Our Environmental Toxicology Laboratory plays a vital role in this mission by investigating the causes of toxicity in environmental samples, identifying the mechanisms responsible, and developing or recommending practical solutions to remove or reduce toxicity. The lab supports both research and applied projects, combining biological testing with advanced analytical techniques to help clients meet environmental regulations and protect aquatic ecosystems. At BQE, curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is key, and professional growth is supported. Our diverse and inclusive team is united by a shared commitment to scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, and innovation in water and toxicity management.

The Opportunity

Apply Here!

Are you an experienced ecotoxicologist who thrives in solving complex environmental challenges and ensuring the highest standards of scientific quality? In this role, you will serve as a technical lead within our Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, contributing your expertise to the execution, oversight, and continuous improvement of aquatic toxicity testing programs. You’ll play a key role in identifying and understanding the causes of toxicity in environmental samples while guiding the laboratory team through method development, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.

This position is ideal for a biologist who enjoys hands-on work while mentoring others, ensuring technical excellence, and supporting project execution in a fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environment.

Our toxicology laboratory focuses on:

• Toxicity characterization: determining why samples are toxic through analytical and biological testing, data interpretation, and troubleshooting
• Standard tests: performing acute and chronic toxicity tests with aquatic species following regulatory protocols
• Mechanism and mitigation of toxicity: identifying the mechanisms responsible for toxicity in environmental samples to inform solutions for reducing or removing toxicity

Responsibilities

· Lead and perform biological and chemical analyses on water, sediment, and soil samples following ECCC biological test methods and laboratory SOPs

· Provide technical oversight for acute and chronic toxicity tests to ensure compliance with test protocols, data integrity, and QA/QC standards

· Mentor and train junior biologists and laboratory technicians in test execution, data analysis, and good laboratory practices

· Review, validate, and sign laboratory reports, ensuring that data quality objectives and regulatory requirements are met prior to release

· Interpret biological and analytical data, identify anomalies or interferences, and recommend corrective or preventive actions

· Troubleshoot analytical and experimental issues related to sample processing, test performance and instrumentation

· Support the preparation, review, and continuous improvement of laboratory SOPs and QA documentation

· Ensure that laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operated according to specifications

· Maintain comprehensive, well-organized records of all analyses, observations, and quality control data

· Coordinate and schedule laboratory projects, ensuring timelines, data quality, and client expectations are met

· Communicate with clients regarding logistics, testing schedules, and summary results, as appropriate

· Participate in laboratory meetings, contribute to performance evaluations, and support a culture of scientific integrity and safety

· Support investigations of contamination events, interferences, and unexpected results and document findings appropriately

· Perform additional duties assigned by the Lab Manager

Qualifications & Requirements

• BSc in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline (MSc is preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an environmental toxicology laboratory or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong working knowledge of Environment and Climate Change Canada s biological test methods
• Demonstrated experience performing and interpreting acute and chronic aquatic toxicity tests
• Proven ability to mentor, train, and support junior laboratory staff
• Strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills with excellent attention to detail
• Effective communicator with strong technical writing and interpersonal skills
• Safety-conscious and familiar with handling samples that may contain toxic or hazardous substances
• Able to work full-time, on-site in our laboratory (this position does not allow remote work)
• Must be available to work occasional weekend shifts as part of the laboratory schedule and project needs

Compensation Package

In addition to the salary, BQE offers:

• Up to $1,000 annually in education matching to support employee growth
• Paid vacation plus an additional company-wide week of paid leave around the festive period
• Health coverage on hire, with an additional company-funded healthcare spending account provided upon probation completion
• GRRSP matching up to 5% of salary
• Career development support e.g. covered professional designation dues
• Complimentary staff gym