Laboratory Technician, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Description

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

The Laboratory Technician reports to and will receive direction from the Primary Investigator. However, the ability to work under indirect supervision to ensure the success of the research activities is fundamental. The assistant will also be expected to work collaboratively with other research personnel including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

The applicant is expected to be able to prioritize tasks, experiments and projects. Personal initiative to improve lab work and efficiencies are highly encouraged. The applicant is expected to plan ahead and manage own work schedule. This position will support research and routine laboratory diagnostics primarily focused on infectious diseases in production animals. Work is mainly performed in bio-safety level 2 environments.

This position exists to support research focused in veterinary microbiology, primarily study and molecular manipulation of mycobacteriophages. In this research, phages and mycobacteria will be genetically engineered to bestow new characteristics to the phages and their host. The research will also include methodologies to detect, quantify and characterize the phages.

The position can be physically demanding (repetitive, heavy lifting, and long periods of standing are required). Exposure to animal tissue/blood, research samples and animal excrement are prominent in this research environment. The Laboratory Technician must not have any known animal allergies that will interfere with their ability to perform the required tasks.

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

• The Laboratory Technician will be an integral member of the John's disease, digital dermatits and mastitis research teams and will ensure proper protocols and procedures are being maintained and followed to ensure sample integrity and proper laboratory analysis
• The position consists of associated tasks that are necessary on a regular basis and that include but are not limiting to laboratory analysis (DNA-based methods)
• Interacts with facility users in a pleasant and respectful manner
• Ensures at all times that work complies with good laboratory standards
• Keeps supervisor informed of activities and seeks problem solving assistance where required, as well as bringing forward suggestions for more efficient operation of the facility
• Receive and set up incoming samples
• Maintain storage facilities (i.e. freezer/fridge temperature, proper processing and handling techniques are followed)
• The incumbent may also have the opportunity (when time permits) to assist with additional research projects as they arise or with processing samples
• Reports any malfunctioning laboratory equipment or depleted consumable laboratory supplies to the Graduate Student or Primary Investigator
• Cooperate with and report to general lab manager of the joint labs
• Works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols
• Ensures the laboratory environment is safe for all stakeholders and is operated within established SOPs
• Will contribute to the establishment/development of SOP, MSDS and ensure they are adhered to by self and all laboratory users such as students, faculty, external clients and researchers
• Advise the Primary Investigator of any incident or occupational illness as outlined in University of Calgary Safety and Security protocols

Qualifications / Requirements:

• At least two years experience in a laboratory technician position is required with prior experience with molecular biology (cloning, genetic recombination) and bacteriophage work
• Experience with genetic manipulation of phages is desired and will be considered a bonus
• A combination of relevant education and training may be considered
• Biohazard certification (Training can be provided on site)
• WHIMIS certification (Training can be provided on site)
• Must be organized, responsible, and able to work independently
• Must exhibit dedication and a strong commitment to research ethics and following standardized protocols and detailed instructions regarding the collection, processing, analysis, and storage of biospecimens
• Demonstrated ability to function as a productive team member is also necessary
• Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills required
• Fluency in written and oral English, strong communication skills to facilitate interaction with facilities users, and good attention to detail to ensure standard operating procedures are followed required
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) is required
• Strong data recording skills are also required

Application Deadline:  August 29, 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 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.