Position Overview
The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for 2 Technician(s) in Wastewater Based Epidemiology. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 11 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
This position will be part of an interdisciplinary research project that uses wastewater to track the epidemiology of COVID-19 infection rates in Calgary and select communities throughout Alberta (https://research.ucalgary.ca/acwa/research/research-projects/covid-19-wastewater-testing).
You will work together with researchers in the Faculties of Science and Engineering, and the Cumming School of Medicine on the main and Foothills campuses, and at the University’s Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets (ACWA) facility in SE Calgary, that is part of the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment plant. The work will be based out of ACWA and involve extracting RNA from wastewater samples and supervising interns.
Position Description
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Technical
- Assisting with wastewater sample custody records, sample preparation for cleanup and processing
- Performing routine microbiological tasks and RNA extraction from wastewater samples
- Assisting research team members with tracking of inventory of stored samples and sample disposal
- Maintain adequate inventory and supply of consumables
- Coordinate interns’ schedules to fulfill all weekly tasks
- Reporting and Publications
- Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data
- Meet with the research team weekly for project update meetings
- Safety and Environment
- Understanding of standard operating procedures of the equipment used in experimental protocols
- Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work area
- Will need to successfully complete the following training courses: WHMIS, Laboratory Safety, Biosafety, Spill Response, ACWA specific site safety training
- Other
- Manage time effectively to complete laboratory work
- Perform other duties, as assigned by the project leadership team
- Contribute on a daily basis towards a positive working environment within a large and diverse team of colleagues working on the WBE program
Qualifications / Requirements:
- BSc in Microbiology or Molecular Biology; MSc preferred
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in a microbiology and/or molecular biology laboratory
- A very good understanding of aseptic technique
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to overcome the “yuck” factor working with wastewater
- Commitment to safety and safe work practices
- Detail-oriented, diligent, and focused on data quality
- Ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders (including technical and research staff)
- Motivated to work in a team as well as work independently
- Ability to prioritize workload, tasks, assignments and responsibilities and is able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously
- A Class 5 (or equivalent) driver’s license and a way to drive to ACWA (no public transit access) required
- Available to work a flexible and changing schedule
- Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, and good judgment
- Knowledge of WHMIS
Application Deadline: August 3, 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 Technician 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 visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine.
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.