Laboratory Technician

at  University of Alberta

Department Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Medical Microbiology and Immunology Dept
Salary range $40,193.27 to $53,485.30
Hours per week 35
Grade 5
Posted date October 22, 2024
Closing date December 31, 2024
Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• B.Sc in life sciences (immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc)
• For immunology positions, demonstrated experience with immunology-based research
• For molecular biology positions, demonstrated experience with molecular biology research
• 2 years of experience in small animal model-based research is essential
• Experience in a research environment
• Experience with handling and care of small animals
• Strong experience with troubleshooting laboratory protocols and equipment
• Experience with the administration of policies and procedures
• Experience with biohazard, radiation, WHMIS safety and policy
• Computer proficiency with MS Office and other platforms

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work effectively.
• Ability to network and build strong professional relationships
• Ability to strategize and develop creative and efficient solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and pivot to rapidly changing demands
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing competing priorities
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Animal Handling certificate is preferred

Animal Experiments

• Standard mice husbandry, which may include receiving animals
• Makes independent decisions regarding the health and care of animal colonies based on advice from animal care staff, veterinarians and principal investigator
• Conducts animal experiments independently or assists other lab members following discussion and instruction by lab members and principal investigator
• Conducts a variety of experimental procedures on animals including, but not limited to, injections, euthanasia, tissue sampling and processing
• Assists in the training of new students with animal experiments

Immunological assays

• Optimizes and conducts many assays for assessing specific immunological readouts, such as ELISA and Elispot, flow cytometry and others.

Molecular Biology

• Prepares standard solutions for the laboratory
• Using synthetic biology and traditional cloning, and many molecular techniques, create vectors encoding antigens of interest
• Using cell lines and molecular protocols, rescue vectors
• Propagate and purify vaccine vectors

Assistance in Research Experiments

• Prepares standard solutions for the laboratory
• Orders needed laboratory consumables, handles biohazard waste and cleaning of laboratory glassware and other instruments
• Works independently or assists other lab members with experiments (including, but not limited to, molecular cloning, virus production, immune assays, flow cytometry, virus titering and qPCR)

Maintaining Records

• Maintains current records of experiments
• Assists in maintaining and completing animal protocols and associated paperwork
• Ensures compliance with EHS under the supervision of the principal investigator