Research Associate in Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

Position Overview

The Sargin Lab Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Research Associate. This Part-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Associate is expected to be a proficient technical practitioner in the field of Neuroscience. This position follows outlined procedures and guidelines, which involves judgment and discretionary decision making for interpretations and implementations as they relate to the research project. The work is of a highly analytical nature, with the incumbent participating in the design and development of processes unique to the research requirements. There is a high impact of error as the incumbent is considered expert in the field and must be able to perform the work in the absence of documented processes. The incumbent is involved in the day-to-day monitoring, planning, and organizing the activities of the research assistants and students in the lab. They will oversee technical procedures performed by others. The position is responsible for undertaking complex data collection and management, and dealing with stringent deadlines.

The Research Associate will lead lab experiments and be responsible in managing laboratory operations.  They will perform recovery surgeries, process animal tissues for electrophysiology and microscopy, provide mentorship to trainees and are expected to contribute to the PI’s research plan. The Research Associate must be able to work independently with little guidance and supervision. They will be help with mouse colonies including breeding and genotyping.

Position Description

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

Laboratory Organization:

• Management of lab and project coordination
• Supervise the research assistant in surgeries and behavioural experiments
• Train and supervise graduate students
• Delegate tasks to the Research Assistant and trainees in the lab
• Assign mouse lines to lab trainees
• Ensure that the Research Assistant is keeping lab’s reagents in stock and available
• Inform the PI if equipment requires service or repair

Laboratory Administration:

• Maintenance of lab notes, documentation of procedures
• Development and improve lab protocols and procedures autonomously

Research:

• Mouse experimentation including surgery and dissection
• Processing of animal tissues for experimentation, including perfusions, fixing, prepping and staining samples for use in microscopy
• Train Research Assistant and students on surgeries, histology and behaviour
• Help with the maintain mouse breeding colonies
• Monitor how lab trainees are processing and analyzing experimental samples
• Report results to PI

Qualifications / Requirements:

• MSc in Neurosciences or related degree is preferred; a combination of education and 4-7 years of related experience will be considered
• Proficiency in related technical experience within the research specialty field
• 1 to 3 years of supervisory experience
• Ability to perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex technological systems
• Mastery of technical skills including rodent surgeries, behavioural tests, viral injections, in vivo optical imaging and optical stimulation, and electrophysiology
• Ability to provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
• Direct and demonstrable research experience in the subject matter of the research project is essential
• Extensive knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures and techniques
• Extensive experience working with mice including: managing mouse colonies, survival surgeries, and training others with handling and animal procedures with minimal direction.
• Experience with various biological samples (e.g. blood, tissues, urine, etc.)

Application Deadline:  December 20, 2021

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.

Additional Information

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

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Arts visit Careers in the Faculty of Arts.

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About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.