Marine Microbiology and Fieldwork Technician, Faculty of Science

at  The University of Calgary

Description
The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Marine Microbiology and Fieldwork Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 7 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator of the Geomicrobiology Group, the Marine Microbiology and Fieldwork Research Technician will assist research team members with experimental and field research in marine microbiology. An important part of this position will be coordinating with personnel in the research group to plan and participate in field sampling with collaborators in Nunatsiavut. The Research Technician will also conduct analysis on a sample set of marine sediments and waters collected from the 2024 CCGS Amundsen expedition. The Research Technician will work closely with all Geomicrobiology team members in a collaborative manner to achieve collective objectives. This position may require working on board a research ship for a period of three to four weeks.

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

• Familiarity with HPLC, IC, GC, GC-MS techniques for analysis of levels of hydrocarbon degradation
• Experience with microbiological incubations, including under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
• DNA extraction from challenging samples (e.g., marine sediments; hydrocarbon containing samples), PCR and DNA sequencing
• Planning for fieldwork including coordinating supplies, updating sampling protocols, planning with collaborators at other locations, and liaising with team members to coordinate shipment of supplies in a timely manner
• Participating in fieldwork to collect marine sediment and water samples for further research work in the Geomicrobiology Group
• Contribution of results to peer-reviewed journal articles
• Maintaining a clear and well-documented log of all data and fieldwork activities
• Meet with supervisor regularly (e.g., weekly to monthly meetings, as well as interactions on a day-to-day basis) to provide progress updates
• Participating in the GEMM research group weekly lab meetings (with presentations as necessary)
• Understanding of standard operating procedures of the equipment used in the experimental protocols
• Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory work area
• Will require CPR/First Aid certification, Fall Arrest training and Canadian Coast Guard security clearance to participate in fieldwork.

• Managing time effectively to complete project work and fieldwork planning requirementsContributing on a daily basis towards a positive working environment within a large and diverse team of colleagues working in the GEMM group

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc in the area of Microbiology, Microbial Ecology and/or Geochemistry, is required
• Fieldwork experience collecting and processing marine and/or aquatic environmental samples is required
• Experience in and knowledge of environmental microbiology, marine microbiology, and geochemistry
• Experience in working with hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs
• Knowledge of WHMIS
• Ability to multi-task and deal with some repetitive tasks
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engagingly discuss research results and objectives with non-expert audiencesMust be comfortable working in a diverse research team and have good interpersonal skills
• 
  Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
  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.
  This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.
  For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

• Familiarity with HPLC, IC, GC, GC-MS techniques for analysis of levels of hydrocarbon degradation
• Experience with microbiological incubations, including under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
• DNA extraction from challenging samples (e.g., marine sediments; hydrocarbon containing samples), PCR and DNA sequencing
• Planning for fieldwork including coordinating supplies, updating sampling protocols, planning with collaborators at other locations, and liaising with team members to coordinate shipment of supplies in a timely manner
• Participating in fieldwork to collect marine sediment and water samples for further research work in the Geomicrobiology Group
• Contribution of results to peer-reviewed journal articles
• Maintaining a clear and well-documented log of all data and fieldwork activities
• Meet with supervisor regularly (e.g., weekly to monthly meetings, as well as interactions on a day-to-day basis) to provide progress updates
• Participating in the GEMM research group weekly lab meetings (with presentations as necessary)
• Understanding of standard operating procedures of the equipment used in the experimental protocols
• Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory work area
• Will require CPR/First Aid certification, Fall Arrest training and Canadian Coast Guard security clearance to participate in fieldwork.
• Managing time effectively to complete project work and fieldwork planning requirementsContributing on a daily basis towards a positive working environment within a large and diverse team of colleagues working in the GEMM grou