Position Overview

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Technician reports to the Primary Investigator as well as works collaboratively with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This position will support research in pain and opioid pharmacology. The principal focus of the research program is to elucidate the fundamental molecules and processes involved in pain and the use of opioid analgesics in treating pain.  The goal is to discover and develop novel pain therapies.

The position will occasionally require irregular hours, depending on the research in progress.  The research may involve exposure to biohazardous materials and requires the ability to work in a research environment where animal biological samples are present.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• This position will conduct studies aimed at understanding central and peripheral mechanisms of pain and opioid analgesia; manage mouse colonies; develop animal models for pain drug discovery; perform surgical procedures; conduct behavioural testing; and cellular imaging.  Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the primary responsibilities of this role are focused on conducting collaborative research aimed at understanding central and peripheral mechanisms of pain and opioid analgesia, including:
  • Performing surgical and injection procedures
  • Conducting behavioral testing and document findings
  • Cell culture and tissue processing for biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses
• Lab ordering & general management
• The incumbent works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols
• Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
• Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance
• Assist graduate students and PI in preparing research data for grants, presentations or publication
• Other related duties as required

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Excellent organizational skills combined with strong oral and written communication skills are required
• The ability to work under indirect supervision with attention to detail, sound judgment, and good problem solving skills are important 
• Previous experience with rodent handling, basic laboratory techniques, and record keeping are necessary
• Previous animal handling (i.e. rodents) is required
• A veterinary technology diploma or an undergraduate or masters degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, or related field would be an asset
• Technical expertise in animal surgery and experience with assessing animal pain behaviours is required
• Experience with cell culture, cell imaging (confocal), and optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques would be an asset
• WHMIS and biosafety training and certification will be required

Application Deadline:  October 3, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.