Optical Imaging Specialist (Infrastructure Portfolio), Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Description

The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Optical Imaging Specialist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Charbonneau is a partnership between the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, and brings together experts to integrate research and care across multiple disciplines. From understanding and preventing cancer, to transforming its detection and treatment, to improving life with and after cancer, the Charbonneau community is focused on reducing the burden of cancer through research, education, and community engagement. Supporting this effort are cancer-focused scientists, physicians, research staff, trainees, patients, families, and communities - all of whom share the goal of making a difference in cancer through research that impacts policy, care, and outcomes. 

This position reports to the Lead of Charbonneau Cancer Institute Microscopy Facility, and the Director of the Robson DNA Science Centre. 

The primary purpose of this Optical Imaging Specialist position is to support researchers who use microscopes for cell and animal biology and molecular research in both The Charbonneau and The Snyder Institute. The primary job portfolio is to provide advanced imaging infrastructure quality control checks, maintenance, carry out troubleshooting of equipment, and liaise with microscopy system vendors such as representatives of Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, Olympus and other companies external to the University. A secondary part of this job portfolio is to provide backup support for staff whose primary responsibility is to develop and provide support for user training and assisting researchers on microscopes, related equipment, and software for image processing and analysis. On occasion, the Optical Imaging Specialist may also provide support with cell culture and sample preparation, in alignment with staff whose primary responsibility is to provide researcher support for experimental design and execution. Administrative duties include preparing reports, ordering, tracking time, invoicing researchers for support and services, safety and other compliance requirements.

A combination of education and experience may be considered in meeting the qualifications for this position. Evening or weekend work may be required in times of high demand (time is lieu is provided).

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

• Technical:
  • Follow and enforce established programs and procedures for the safe and proper use of equipment and materials in the imaging labs.
  • Continuous input for developing and streamlining of program and procedures.
  • Run quality control checks, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of microscopes and support equipment including cell culture equipment
  • Continuous technical improvement and modifications of the imaging systems and associated apparatus.
  • Maintain and test mammalian cell lines
  • Sample preparation for imaging
  • Molecular and biochemical assays as the need arises
  • Preparing reports on activities
• Education and training:
  • Support with training and assist researchers with optical technologies
  • Provide individual training on microscopes, software, and related systems
  • Help organize local seminars and workshops
  • Assist with developing training materials for systems
  • Improve and maintain the online training sites hosted on D2L
  • Preparation and maintenance of educational content and communication materials (website, learning materials for users)
  • Assist in organizing a campus-wide optical microscopy seminar series
  • Assist in organizing a national microscopy course
  • Assist in facilitating online user groups in optical microscopy
• Client Relations:
  • Communicate promptly and clearly to researchers about equipment and software upgrades, changes, or failures
  • Communicate with equipment and supply manufacturers for purchasing, technical advice, service visits etc.
  • Clients are courteously provided with information and advice about or programs and/or services
  • Assist with regular surveys
• Analysis and Reporting:
  • Prepare reports summarizing support activities
  • Collate and organize scheduling and usage records
  • Must keep track of activities using time tracking
  • Assist with billing from usage records
  • Ensuring compliance to safety and other regulations that are project specific.
• Leadership:
  • Act as a mentor for students and student assistants
  • Provide input for change on continuous improvements to the LCI operations

Qualifications / Requirements:

• BSc, diploma, and/or experience in a laboratory setting (research or industrial) required
• Demonstrable competency with of optical microscopy required
• Ability to trouble-shoot instrumentation required
• Working knowledge of image processing and analysis required
• Ability to multi-task and deal multiple simultaneous priorities in an effective, efficient manner
• High level of proficiency in writing and editing a variety of documents for a wide range of audiences/stakeholders
• Ability to operate within a multi-faceted work environment and be a strong team player with capability to adjust work schedules to meet multiple demands and pressures
• Excellent communication, both oral and written
• Competency with microscope user training, education, and mentorship desirable
• Cell culture experience with mammalian cells desirable
• Experience with molecular biology desirable
• Experience in a busy, fast-paced environment desirable
• Knowledge of the Cumming School of Medicine and University culture and operating procedures with strong understanding of the University's mission and values
• Experience working with the media both in a reactive and strategic planning capacity
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with constantly shifting priorities

Application Deadline:  September 13, 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.