Lab Technician, Cell Biology & Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine

Position Overview

The Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Lab Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 2 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator.

The lab is a neuroscience lab employing optical imaging of the rodent brain, and requires technical skills in brain surgery, as well as help with the daily running of the lab. 

Position Description

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

• Under general supervision & direction of the PI, develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research

• Conduct experiments and/or analysis for the lab towards scholarly publications when required

• Performing brain surgery on mice to install various types of cranial windows for optical imaging as needed by trainees or the PI (standard cranial window over a single cortical brain region, thinned skull window, whole cortex window, cortex-removed windows for hippocampus, prism-based window for sagittal brain regions, GRIN lens implantation, AAV nanoinjection into various brain regions)

• Perform brain surgery for AAV nanoinjection, optrode placement, implantation of head fixation apparatus & virtual reality treadmill training of mice

• Training of users in GRIN lens implantation and quality control for miniscope data acquisition using INSCOPIX hardware. Interfacing with CSMopto to use software for data acquisition for calcium imaging and dLIGHT applications

• Monitor the activity of distinct neurons in brain tissue including 2-photon imaging

• Training mice for the imaging apparatus

• Ordering animals, equipment, materials and supplies for the entire lab

• Performing the annual lab safety inspection and keeping the lab up-to-date with current safety rules

• Keeping the lab chemical inventory updated in Chematix

• Keep the lab organized, tidy and clean, in part by changing blue and yellow buckets as needed and by ordering monthly cleaning services

• Train lab members including undergraduate and graduate students in the operation of equipment, laboratory protocols, and surgical techniques. Responsible for repairs of surgical equipment, ensuring safety compliance

• Assist in writing of abstracts, manuscripts, and grant application

• Reliable and safe operation of all laboratory equipment

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree, required

• PhD and/or MD Degree as asset

• Specialized certification in surgery if possible

• Minimum 2 years of technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline

• More than 1 year of related technical experience within the research specialty field

• Previous experience with in vivo optical imaging (widefield or two-photon) is a strong benefit

• Previous experience or knowledge of other types of in vivo experimentation such as functional ultrasound, electrophysiology or optogenetics is a benefit

• Previous experience with general lab support, such as ordering and using university software portals to accomplish tasks, is a strong benefit

• Perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex techniques or technological systems

• Provide technical support or advice to all other team members

• Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures

• Provide semi-skilled to skilled technical procedures to support the research project

• Operate and maintain complex technical equipment

• Intermediate to advanced computer skills required

• Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable

• Must be up-to-date with WHMIS or obtain training upon startup

Application Deadline:  December 8, 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 I.

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 Cumming School of Medicine visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine.

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About the University of Calgary

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