Research Technician, Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory

at  University of Saskatchewan

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN, NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING LABORATORY

The Western College of Veterinary Medicine is Recruiting for a Research Technician in the Omics Resource Centre (ORC). The incumbent will provide technical support for molecular genetics and next generation sequencing (NGS) services provided through the Omics Resource Centre.
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is western Canada’s regional college of veterinary medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. It is comprised of five departments, several services, such as Prairie Diagnostics Services (PDS) and Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC), as well as research service facilities. For further information, please visit https://wcvm.usask.ca
The newly established Omics Resource Centre is a core genomics and microbiomics service & research support laboratory and one of four research service facilities at the WCVM. ORC is working together with various partners such as the USask Livestock Forage and Centre of Excellence (LFCE), the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and PDS to provide integrated genomics services, training of HQPs and consultation from study design to data analysis tailored to the needs of the on- and off-campus veterinary, animal agriculture and basic research community.
The supported research projects entail but are not limited to livestock productivity, genetic diversity, disease investigation, antimicrobial resistance and surveillance as well as microbiomes. ORC also develops diagnostic tools & provides omics services for producers that help to enhance the productivity and sustainability of commercial livestock for meat quality, animal health, and food safety.
Primary Purpose: The successful candidate will be an active and valuable team member, primarily working within the lab and contributing to hands-on lab work. This role ensures the lab operates safely and efficiently, providing mainly technical support. Responsibilities include overseeing critical lab functions such as operating NGS lab equipment and automated systems, interacting with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), assist with SOP development in addition to executing lab housekeeping duties.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Genomics Laboratory Manager at ORC, the Research Technician is responsible for execution of research tasks within assigned projects from sample preparation, sample purification and QC procedures, to NGS library preparation and sequencing. The incumbent will frequently team up with other lab staff, users or trainees to help facilitate their projects. They will ensure precise sample tracking through the workflows using the LIMS and ensure lab is stocked and organized.

Experience: Experience with molecular genetics methods, such as nucleic acid extraction assays, NGS library preparation, quality and quantification assays (e.g. PCR/qPCR) is essential.

• Prior hands-on experience in SOP development, writing experimental summary reports is desirable.
• Experience with lab automation (liquid handlers, LIMS, purification automates) is an asset

• Work independently on assigned projects by Genomics Laboratory Manager, report to the Genomics Laboratory Manager
• Conduct molecular laboratory tasks including nucleic acid extractions, PCR/qPCR assays, NGS library preparation, setup of NGS sequencing runs and sample quantification/quality control assays
• Work with a wide variety of sample types (e.g. tissue, swabs, blood, feces, saliva, microbial)
• On demand, assist students in laboratory techniques
• Perform general lab housekeeping duties, help with ensuring the lab is stocked and organized (g. assist with waste management)
• Support SOP development and data collection
• Interact with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure correct sample tracking through assigned workflows
  Education: An undergraduate degree in biology, animal science or agricultural biology with training in genetics and genomics techniques and at least 3 years of professional experience in research environments and with laboratory technology is required. A combination of a related degree in a comparable field and at least five years of professional experience in a molecular genetics research laboratory would also be considered.
  Licenses: Candidates should have or be willing to obtain WHMIS, Biosafety for Containment Level 2 lab spaces, Laboratory Safety and First Aid & CPR training.

Experience: Experience with molecular genetics methods, such as nucleic acid extraction assays, NGS library preparation, quality and quantification assays (e.g. PCR/qPCR) is essential.

• Prior hands-on experience in SOP development, writing experimental summary reports is desirable.
• Experience with lab automation (liquid handlers, LIMS, purification automates) is an asset.

Skills: The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, multidisciplinary research environment. The incumbent is required to adhere to lab safety protocols and should show strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and effective time management. They will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language, solid skills in molecular genetics techniques, computer proficiency with MS office and the ability to adapt to new technologies (e.g. automated systems).
Application Process: Applications will be accepted online only at careers.usask.ca and must include a cover letter and resume to be submitted as a single PDF document.
Department: Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 7
Posted Date: 1/29/2025
Closing Date: 2/5/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php
Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan