Anatomy and Pathology Technician, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Description

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Anatomy and Pathology Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Anatomy and Pathology Teaching Technician reports to the Manager, DSU Operations and receives day to day direction from the Senior Anatomy Technician, Pathology Teaching Technician and/or and the other faculty members involved in curriculum delivery. This role provides essential support for teaching anatomy, anatomic and clinical pathology, as well as diagnostic veterinary medicine. 

The Anatomy and Pathology Technician is a vital technical resource for the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), providing essential support to faculty and collaborating with other technicians to assist in both undergraduate and graduate teaching. This role involves working within a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) necropsy laboratory, assisting in the post-mortem examination of various animal species, and handling fresh, frozen, and embalmed animal cadavers, organs, tissues, bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions. The technician's work ensures that these materials are properly prepared, preserved, and utilized for teaching, research, and service programs at UCVM.

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

• Ensure that high-quality teaching specimens are available for UCVM educational and research programs.  Procure cadaveric materials from sources such as the necropsy lab, abattoirs, veterinary practices, and other suppliers. Prepare these specimens using appropriate dissection, embalming, and preservation techniques, and catalog them accurately for future use. Specimens are archived and documented for retrieval when needed
• Timely and efficient preparation of specimens for teaching labs and research activities
• Determine appropriate disposal methods for cadaveric materials after use in teaching or research. If applicable, set aside materials for secondary or tertiary use in other labs or research programs
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of specimens to ensure the availability of materials when needed. Regularly review the specimen collections and monitor inventory levels
• Under the direction of a veterinarian, may assist with handling live domestic and farm animals for exams or euthanasia, ensuring the welfare of the animals and compliance with ethical and safety standards
• Support UCVM's relationships with external partners by preparing specimens for external organizations when resources permit
• Contribute to the creation of preserved anatomical and pathological specimens for long-term educational use
• Provide effective support and guidance to DVM students, enhancing their learning experience during labs, to ensure proper techniques and safety practices
• Procures, prepares, catalogues, and archives suitable teaching specimens (including off campus collection where appropriate). Specimen preparation includes a variety of dissection, embalming and preservation techniques
• Procures cadaveric materials from the necropsy lab, abattoirs, veterinary practices, and other suppliers in support of UCVM teaching, research, and service activities
• Assist in general laboratory maintenance, including ensuring that supplies are stocked in the laboratory and that requirements to order new supplies are communicated as required
• Foster a professional and efficient work environment through clear and timely communication. Communicate effectively and professionally with UCVM faculty, staff, students, and external organizations. This includes timely, courteous responses to inquiries, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed

Qualifications / Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree or diploma in a relevant discipline (e.g., Veterinary Technician, Animal Science, Biology) is required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered
• Sound knowledge of sanitation and disinfection principles is required to maintain a safe and hygienic work environment required
• Experience in the use and basic maintenance of a variety of laboratory equipment and audio-visual tools is required. Familiarity with WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) and biosafety protocols is also necessary
• The ability to perform physically demanding work, including heavy lifting (e.g., large animal handling equipment), is required. A Physical Demands Analysis is available for reference
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build professional relationships with faculty members, students, and the external veterinary community. Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism are essential. Ability to work independently is also required
• A willingness and ability to work with cadaveric materials, including animal cadavers, tissues, and bodily fluids, is required
• Previous experience working or training in an animal industry or veterinary environment is considered an asset
• Knowledge of comparative anatomy, clinical pathology, medical terminology, experience with dissection instruments, equipment, supplies, and procedures used in a post-mortem laboratory is considered an asset
• A valid full Class 5 Driver's License is required. The ability to operate a truck and stock trailer to transport large animals to the teaching facility, as well as the safe loading and unloading of livestock, is considered an asset
• Proficiency in a variety of software applications, including MS Office, PeopleSoft, and general internet applications, is required. Experience with D2L (Desire2Learn) or other educational software, as well as Photoshop, is considered an asset
• Previous experience in comparative or veterinary anatomical instruction is beneficial, with preference given to candidates with experience in animal dissection, pathology, and clinical pathology

Application Deadline:  December 11, 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.