Job Order Detail

Description

The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is seeking a summer student to support the development of a bio-relevant X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) standards library. This project involves preparing and characterizing standards that combine biologically important transition elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) with abundant elements (Ca, P, S) to advance research in biological tissue analysis. The student will gain hands-on experience at the BioXAS and SXRMB beamlines, perform measurements, and collaborate with beamline scientists on XANES and EXAFS data analysis. This position offers a unique opportunity to learn beamline operations, data collection techniques, and scientific reporting while contributing to a resource that will benefit future synchrotron-based studies.

Representative Duties:
- Conduct a literature review of standards used for biological tissue XAS measurements.
- Prepare bio-relevant standards combining transition elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) and biologically abundant elements (Ca, P, S).
- Perform measurements of prepared standards at the BioXAS and SXRMB beamlines.
- Collaborate with beamline scientists on XANES data analysis.
- Gain exposure to key concepts for EXAFS analysis.
- Learn XAS beamline operations and data collection techniques.
- Assist in scientific report writing based on experimental results.

Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Chemistry or Biochemistry and will be returning to school in the fall semester.
- Ideally the candidate would be in at least their third year of study, although that is not required.
- Experience or courses in biological sciences would be considered an asset
- Experience working in a chemical or biochemistry laboratory environment synthesizing chemical compounds and following safety protocols would be considered an asset.