Laboratory Assistant

at  Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Our Biology R&D Facility is looking for a Laboratory Assistant!

INTRO

As part of the Isotopes, Radiobiology & Environment Directorate (IRED) of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, the Biology R&D Facility at CNL is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for the Biological Research Facility (BRF). Work is conducted in the BRF in support of the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology (FNST) program with Federal Stakeholders, for commercial customers including Candu Owner’s Group (COG) and pharmaceutical Contract Research Organizations, as well as Canadian and International universities. This position is essential to ensure we maintain Facility- Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) status, continue to meet the guidelines and policies of the Canadian Council on Animal Care, operate according to the principals of Good Laboratory Practices, and sustain Facility safety standards. This position reports to the Biology R&D Facility Branch Manager.

• Acting as the Equipment Custodian for key Facility equipment, including autoclaves, cage washers, washers and dryers, balances, etc.
• Maintaining an inventory of and procuring Facility equipment, supplies and PPE&C.
• Identifying, collecting and disposing of Facility waste; completing waste assessments and documentation.
• Assisting with shipping and receiving of materials out of and into the building, and disinfecting all materials received into the Facility.
• Cleaning and sanitizing within the Facility; this involves cleaning and changing footbaths; sweeping, mopping, spraying and scrubbing floors; dusting and cleaning counters and equipment; preparing, collecting and taking out garbage and recycling; disinfecting work surfaces including floors, drains and counters throughout the entire building; operation of cage washers, autoclaves, and laundry washers and dryers.
• Animal cage dumping, filling and washing. This requires donning of a respirator. Dirty rodent (mouse and rat) cages are dumped, washed and then refilled with clean bedding. A large portion of this work involves moving 20 kg bags of bedding on a regular basis, and operation of the feeding and dispenser units.
• Laundering of Facility scrubs and lab coats.
• Performing Facility Monthly Zone checks and routine maintenance of safety equipment such as emergency showers, eyewash stations and first aid kits.
• Assisting Lab Supervisors with laboratory chemical inventories and Safety Data Sheets.
• Supporting animal health surveillance profiling and sanitization tests to maintain SPF status.
• Providing administrative support (e.g., update of SOPs, maintenance of GLP binders, photocopying, scanning)
• Undertaking training relevant to the position. e.g., Facility-Specific SOPs, Radiological Protection Training, GLP Training.
• Tracking and submitting Facility usage sheets.
• Answering phones and escorting RP staff, visitors and trades, as required.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.