Research Technician, Microbiology Immunology & Infectious Disease

Description

The Department of Microbiology Immunology & Infectious Disease in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Research and study of wastewater from various sources to assess for:

• Molecular markers of SARS-CoV-2 (primary target)
• Antimicrobial resistance determinants (potential future targets)
• Various chemicals (potential future targets)
• Microbiological analysis of various clinical study samples for evidence of persistent bacterial infection/colonization/contamination

Reporting to the Principle Investigator.

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

• Maintain established research programs
• Collect, inventory and process patient/clinical and wastewater samples
• Maintain wastewater biobank, and clinical data
• Real-time data reporting to clinical and public health authority partners (including weekend work)
• Assist in identifying appropriate samples to share amongst collaborators locally and internationally
• Wastewater processing for the identification of ARO genes and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2
• WW assay development and trouble shooting
• Clinical sample collection and characterization of community constituents
• Device contamination processing and assessment
• Generate and analyze data suitable for publication
• Figure development and improvement
• Liaising with clinical and research partners
• Assist in equipment and expendable ordering

Qualifications / Requirements:

• BSc in Microbiology or Molecular Biology
• Have theoretical and hands on expertise in molecular and microbial biology with a particular emphasis in
  • the analysis of microbial communities (including sputum and bile)
  • pathogen identification, characterization and genotyping
  • ARO resistance determination at varying inoculums
• Experience in wastewater chemistry and molecular identification of SARS-CoV-2
• Experienced in adapting and validating assays to characterize the genomics of complex samples
• Should have at two semesters of lab experience be able to demonstrate the ability to execute advanced molecular biology techniques
• Expertise in diagnostic microbiology (and in particular as it pertains to airways  microbiology, environmental and antimicrobial resistant genes)
• Experience in molecular methods such as DNA & RNA extraction and next generation sequence analysis

Application Deadline:  October 3, 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.