Research Technician, Cellular and Molecular Drug Discovery, Faculty of Vete

at  The University of Calgary

Description
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician, Cellular & Molecular Drug Discovery. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Research Technician reports to the Primary Investigator as well as works collaboratively with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This position will support research in glia, pain, and neurodegeneration. The principal focus of the research program is to understand the fundamental processes involved in pain and neurodegeneration with the goal of discovering and developing new therapeutics.
The position will occasionally require irregular hours, depending on the research in progress. The research may involve exposure to biohazardous materials and requires the ability to work in a research environment where animal and human biological samples are present.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

This position will conduct studies aimed at understanding how glial cells contribute to pain, neurodegeneration, and other disease of the nervous system. Responsibilities include generating and maintaining primary and cell line cultures, performing molecular biology and cell biology experiments, microscopy, tissue processing, and in vivo testing. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the primary responsibilities of this role are focused on conducting collaborative research aimed at understanding central and peripheral mechanisms of pain and neurodegeneration including:

• Cell culture and tissue processing for cellular, molecular, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses
• Establishing and maintaining primary cell cultures and cell lines
• Conducting behavioral testing, mouse colonies management, and document findings
• Biochemistry methods
• Lab ordering & general management
• The incumbent works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols
• Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
• Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent organizational skills combined with strong oral and written communication skills are required. The ability to work under indirect supervision with attention to detail, sound judgment, and good problem solving skills are important. Previous experience with rodent handling, basic laboratory techniques, and record keeping are necessary
• Experience in primary cell culture, cell lines, molecular biology, cell imaging, and immunohistochemistry, as well as biochemistry (Westerns, immunoprecipitation, mass spec) is required
• An undergraduate or masters degree in neuroscience, immunology, biochemistry, or related field would be an asset
• Experience in managing mouse colonies, technical expertise in animal handling, surgery, and experience with assessing animal pain behaviours would be an asset
• WHMIS and biosafety training and certification will be required
  Application Deadline: February 10, 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.

• Cell culture and tissue processing for cellular, molecular, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses
• Establishing and maintaining primary cell cultures and cell lines
• Conducting behavioral testing, mouse colonies management, and document findings
• Biochemistry methods
• Lab ordering & general management
• The incumbent works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols
• Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
• Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistanc