Lab Technician, Physiology & Pharmacology

Position Overview

The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Lab Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator.

The research technician will perform tasks of moderate complexity and contribute to coordinating lab operations. Anticipated activities include performing experiments, data analysis, maintenance of the lab and stock reagents. Although the individual will work independently on an assigned project and day-to-day tasks as directed by the Principal Investigator, there will also be occasions where they will need to contribute to a team effort. The stress level of this position will be low, but duties will require focus and attention. Moreover, there is a responsibility that daily lab management duties are completed to ensure that the lab operates efficiently.

Position Description

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

• Technical
  • Perform experimental tasks such as cell culture, molecular cloning, reagent preparation, microscopy, immunoblotting, quantitative PCR, CRISPR gene editing, flow cytometry, mouse handling and surgery
• Educational and Research
  • Involved in day-to-day supervision of students and organizing their activities
  • Train lab members including undergraduate and graduate students in the operation of equipment, laboratory protocols, biosafety procedures, and surgical techniques
  • Responsible for the maintenance of the lab and ensuring safety/biosafety compliance
  • Meet with supervisor an approximately bi-weekly basis to review data
  • Attend bi-weekly lab meeting and present on a rotational basis (~3x per year)
• Administrative
  • Ordering equipment, materials, supplies and animals for the entire lab
  • Budget involvement including developing reports, tracking expenses, and reconciliation of accounts
  • Performing the annual lab safety inspection and keeping the lab up-to-date with current safety rules
  • Keeping the lab chemical inventory updated in Chematix
  • Keep the lab organized, tidy, clean and safe
  • Assist in writing of abstracts, manuscripts, and grant applications

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology or microbiology/immunology required
• PhD and/or MSc degree would be an asset
• Minimum 2 years of technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline
• More than 1 year of related technical experience within the research specialty field
• Previous experience with molecular techniques and cloning would be a strong benefit
• Previous experience or knowledge of 3D dimensional/organoid cell culture would be a strong benefit
• Previous experience in microscopy would be a strong benefit
• Previous experience with general lab support, such as ordering and using university software portals to accomplish tasks, would be strong benefit
• Provide technical support or advice to all other team members
• Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures
• Operate and maintain complex technical equipment
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills required

Application Deadline:  February 7, 2024

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.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

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  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.