Position Overview
The Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Laboratory Assistant – Molecular Microbiology. This Full-time Fixed Short-Term position is for approximately 3 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator. However, the ability to work under indirect supervision to ensure the success of the research activities is fundamental. The assistant will also be expected to work collaboratively with other research personnel including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
The Laboratory Technician is responsible for, but not limited to, processing and preparation of biospecimens for laboratory analysis, documenting, entering and retrieving data with regards to samples, performing general duties and most importantly laboratory analysis.
The applicant is expected to be able to prioritize tasks, experiments and projects. Personal initiative to improve lab work and efficiencies are highly encouraged. The applicant is expected to plan ahead and manage own work schedule. This position will support research and routine laboratory diagnostics primarily focused on infectious diseases in production animals. Work is mainly performed in bio-safety level 2 environments.
Position Description
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Complete associated tasks on a regular basis that include but limited to laboratory analysis (among others, serology, culture, DNA-based methods) of blood, milk and fecal samples.
- Interacts with facility users in a pleasant and respectful manner.
- Ensures at all times that work complies with good laboratory standards.
- Keeps supervisor informed of activities and seeks problem solving assistance where required, as well as bringing forward suggestions for more efficient operation of the facility.
- Receive and set up incoming samples.
- Maintain storage facilities (i.e. freezer/fridge temperature, proper processing and handling techniques are followed).
- The incumbent may also have the opportunity (when time permits) to assist with additional research projects as they arise or with processing samples.
- Reports any malfunctioning laboratory equipment or depleted consumable laboratory supplies to the Graduate Student or Primary Investigator.
- Cooperate with and report to general lab manager of the joint labs.
- Works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols.
- Ensures the laboratory environment is safe for all stakeholders and is operated within established SOPs.
- Will contribute to the establishment/development of SOP, MSDS and ensure they are adhered to by self and all laboratory users such as students, faculty, external clients and researchers.
- Advise the Primary Investigator of any incident or occupational illness as outlined in University of Calgary Safety and Security protocols
Qualifications / Requirements:
- At least three (3) years of wet lab experience is required with prior experience handling and managing animal or human specimens preferred
- Experience with DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and ELISA is required
- Biohazard certification (Training can be provided on site)
- WHIMIS certification (Training can be provided on site)
- Must be organized, responsible, and able to work independently
- Must exhibit dedication and a strong commitment to research ethics and following standardized protocols and detailed instructions regarding the collection, processing, analysis, and storage of biospecimens
- Demonstrated ability to function as a productive team member is also necessary
- The position requires flexibility and strong problem-solving skills
- The position requires fluency in written and oral English, strong communication skills to facilitate interaction with facilities users, and good attention to detail to ensure standard operating procedures are followed
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) is required
- Strong data recording skills are also required
Application Deadline: July 15, 2022
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 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine visit Careers in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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.
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 (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.