Microbiology Technician, Faculty of Science

Position Overview

The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Microbiology Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 7 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position's work involves technical protocols in a petroleum microbiology laboratory that are based on outlined procedures and guidelines and in collaboration with other research team members.  The Technician will report to the Principal Investigator. The Technician will support a research projects in the research group related to a short-term industry focussed research project.

Results obtained from this work will contribute to progress reports and presentations in the field of petroleum microbiology.  The work occurs in a team setting, which means that there is constant activity and interruptions can occur.

There may be a small amount of extra time required, such as 1-2 days per month, when field samples are received from Alberta in order to complete analysis within a specified time period.

Position Description

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

•  Able to effectively manage time to complete project work/objectives within the time frame of a short-term project
• Organizing and collating research results for presentation to industry partners
• Make any procedural recommendations that would be beneficial to the project work
• Responsible for maintaining established procedures of research group
• Analyze oilfield samples according to established analytical protocols on the GC, GCMS and HPLC as well as standardized spectrophotometric assays
• Preparation of oilfield samples and experiments for genomic analysis
• Conduct bioinformatic comparisons between samples
• Establish and maintain anaerobic enrichment cultures under varied incubation conditions
• Conduct metal corrosion experiments and analyses
• Observe and record results from analysis
• Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data
• Meet with supervisor bi-weekly to review data
• Perform manual activities
• Help to maintain lab equipment as needed

Qualifications / Requirements:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc.
• Although a B.Sc. would be sufficient, the work involves specialized HPLC, GC, chemical and microbiological/molecular biological analysis of oilfield samples, bioinformatics skills, proficient skills is anaerobic culturing, and knowledge of data presentation and analysis. Additional education and training would be beneficial (e.g. M.Sc. or undergraduate research training).
• WHMIS
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs
• Bioinformatics analysis (e.g., use of QIIME, R, Dada2)
• Some repetitive tasks
• Able to multi-task and deal with multiple priorities efficiently and effectively
• Strong organizational and time management skills

 Application Deadline:  December 2, 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 1.

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. 

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

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.