Internship in Lignin-based Flocculant Production - Thunder Bay

Internship in Lignin-based Flocculant Production - Thunder Bay

Job Description: The purpose of this internship is to train an intern to conduct research on developing a process for producing a lignin based material that can be used as a flocculant in the mining industry. The intern will study the relevant literature, conduct experiments and analyze data at the Biomass Utilization Research Laboratory (BURL) of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay campus. The intern will be involved in the research investigation on the modification (copolymerization) of kraft lignin to produce anionic lignin and on the evaluation of the performance of the product in various ore  samples received from a mining company. He/She will use NMR, FTIR, BTG, TGA, CHNS and HPLC to evaluate the properties of the copolymerized kraft lignin, and will compare the properties of commercial flocculants with his/her product using various instruments including turbidity, zeta potential and light scattering analyzers.

Qualifications: The intern can be a recent graduate (with a BSc, MSc degree) in chemical engineering, chemistry, biology or forestry. The best candidate for this position is a recent graduate of a chemical engineering or chemistry program. The intern should have basic knowledge of organic chemistry and computer skills and be enthusiastic about research in the forest and/or mining industry.

The intern must also not have previously participated in an internship program. Internships must provide first-time employment in a related field. Recent foreign graduates with Canadian degrees are also welcome to apply.

Application Deadline: July 7 2017 Project duration: July 17 2017 - July 16 2018 (1 year).

Please submit a cover letter and full CV to Dr. Weijue Gao (CB0031) or email to wgao@lakeheadu.ca.