Assay Chemist
- Assay Operations
- Ottawa
- Permanent
To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter by Sep 04, 2026
Under the leadership of the Manager, Assay Operations and within the policies and procedures of the Royal Canadian Mint, the Assay Chemist serves as a key technical resource within the Assay laboratory.
The role is responsible for developing, validating, maintaining, and improving analytical methods used in the analysis of precious metals and related by-products, including Fire Assay/Fusion, XRF, ICP-OES, Spark-OES, and related wet chemistry techniques.
The Assay Chemist reviews and reports analytical results, supports QA/QC and proficiency testing programs, manufactures and characterizes internal reference materials, maintains technical documentation and work instructions, and provides training and technical guidance to assay personnel. The incumbent also supports the administration and troubleshooting of laboratory information systems and analytical equipment, contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, and investigates new spectrometric and non-spectrometric methods to improve accuracy, reliability, traceability, and service delivery.
This role requires sound technical judgment to support continuous improvement in laboratory capabilities, analytical quality, and service delivery.
Your Responsibilities:
- Developing, validating, optimizing, and maintaining analytical methods and procedures.
- Reviewing and interpreting analytical results to ensure accuracy, validity, and compliance with quality requirements.
- Conduct routine and non-routine analytical investigations and testing as required.
- Developing and monitoring laboratory performance through quality assurance and quality control programs, including proficiency testing, round robin analysis, and industry-recognized testing programs (e.g. ASTM, LBMA).
- Manufacturing and characterizing internal reference materials used for calibration, verification, and method performance monitoring.
- Investigating and implementing new analytical technologies, methodologies, and process improvements.
- Providing technical guidance, training, and mentorship to assay personnel.
- Supporting the administration and continuous improvement of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and related laboratory data workflows.
- Evaluating laboratory instrumentation performance and coordinating maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support activities.
- Analyze, compile, interpret, and report laboratory data to support operational, quality, and continuous improvement requirements.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and external organizations to support analytical requirements and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contributing to a safe, secure, and collaborative laboratory environment.
Qualifications:
Proficiency in one official language (English/French) is essential. Bilingualism (French & English) is an asset.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated experience with analytical method development, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
- Strong experience with spectrometric techniques such as WDXRF, ICP-OES, Spark-OES, or comparable analytical instrumentation.
- Experience with laboratory quality systems, reference materials, and quality control programs.
Assets
- Master's degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Experience in precious metals, refining, mining, metallurgical, or bullion laboratories.
- Fire Assay/Fusion experience.
- Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Experience participating in proficiency testing or accreditation programs.
Abilities and Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of quality assurance and quality control principles.
- Ability to interpret and analyze scientific and statistical data.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to train and provide technical guidance to others.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a production-focused laboratory environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific integrity.
- Commitment to workplace health, safety, and security.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of Fire Assay as relates to the assay of precious metals, and bullion analysis of Au, Ag, Pd, Pt.
- Knowledge of by products related to the processing of high purity bullion(s) from refining operations would also an asset
- Safety as a core value
Why the Mint?
At the Mint, you will collaborate with a diverse group of people and be a part of an iconic Canadian organization. Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We offer outstanding pay and total rewards for you and your family and you will be supported to continuously learn throughout your career.
The Mint is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value diversity and aim to provide an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection and onboarding process to ensure that each candidate is treated respectfully. In accordance with the Employment Equity Act, you are invited to voluntarily self-identify with one or more of the four employment equity groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities) by sending your application to the confidential email, ee@mint.ca that is accessed only by the Human Resources section.
If you need accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. For a confidential inquiry, simply email us directly at EE@mint.ca to make arrangements.
What to Expect:
In order to be considered for an interview, please clearly demonstrate on your application how you meet the language, education and experience qualifications. The additional qualifications may be assessed through interviews, exams, reference checks, etc.
Selected candidates will be required to complete a background check facilitated by the Mint in order to obtain a security clearance.
Ready to mint your career? Please forward your resume to careers@mint.ca by September 4, 2026. We look forward to receiving your application!