Research Technician, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Description

The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of 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.

This postiion reports to the Principal Investigator.

The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, a partnership between the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, is dedicated to advancing research that addresses the complex challenge of cancer, at the biological and therapeutic levels, the population and public health levels, and the personal and societal levels. Researchers at the Institute are engaged in discovery, clinical and applied cancer research.

The Research Technician will work in a dynamic and interactive environment with evolving priorities, collaborating with various members of the Institute. Occasional work outside of normal hours may be required.

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

• User Training: Conduct sessions to train new users on the correct and safe operation of the ultra-high plex imaging system. These include tissue imaging and data analysis
• Booking System Management: Maintain an efficient scheduling system to ensure fair and optimal use of the workstation for data analysis
• Panel optimization: Perform antibody titration and validate antibody sensitivity and specificity using appropriate tissue samples and controls
• Troubleshooting: Address and resolve minor technical issues promptly to minimize downtime.
• Quality Control: Perform routine checks to ensure the instrument is functioning correctly and producing high-quality data
• Maintenance Coordination: Communicate with vendors to arrange for preventative maintenance and necessary repairs as well as instrument and software upgrade when available/necessary
• Data Analysis Support: Assist researchers with data analysis and panel design/optimization and validation to enhance the accuracy and reliability of experimental results
• Tissue preparation: Prepare and acquire samples for ultra-high plex imaging analysis, ensuring proper handling and processing
• Collaboration: Work closely with researchers, faculty, and students to support their projects and manage equipment-related requests effectively
• Other duties as required from time to time

Qualifications / Requirements:

• MSc or PhD (preferred) in immunology and/or science- or health-related field with demonstrated experience and expertise working in a research laboratory setting.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive work experience related to immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and multiplex imaging (e.g. Vectra polaris, Akoya Phenocycler, Lunaphore Comet system, MACSima or other multiplex/cyclic imaging instrument) and data analysis is required
• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive work experience related to overall lab management, and wet lab work is an asset. A combination of experience and skills will be considered
• Self-directed, able to create and implement SOPs, perform well designed experiments and execute programs (including collaborative projects) with minimum supervision and guidance
• Knowledge of computer programs (e.g. ImageJ, InForm, PhenoChart, HALO, QuPath, CytoMap, MACS IQ view or HORIZONTM) used for nuclei segmentation, cellular annotation, unsupervised clustering, cell neighbourhood analysis, and data integration with known clinical co-variates for multivariate analysis is an asset
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective engagement with stakeholders, including staff, faculty, and students at the Institute, UofC, and AHS
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, work with individuals and groups from across the Institute, and handle conflicting deadlines with flexibility and composure
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to work independently in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Maintains the highest level of discretion, integrity, and trust in all dealings
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent professionalism, diplomacy, and a high degree of confidentiality
• Strong project management skills. Ability to think conceptually and directionally
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Application Deadline:  July 10, 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.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

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.