Research Technician

at  Western University

CLASSIFICATION & REGULAR HOURS

Hours per Week: 37.5
Salary Grade: Level N
Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, temporary full time contract opportunity with an expected end date of July 31, 2025.

ABOUT US

The Department of Biochemistry is a vibrant community of faculty, research personnel, students and administrative staff dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in research and teaching. The Department houses an exceptionally broad range of instrumentation and expertise for three-dimensional structure determination, biological molecule interaction analysis and other physical analyses that are housed in the BIOCORE facility. The BIOCORE is an open-access facility that offers access via fee-for-service, on-site training and collaboration-depending on project need. This facility is used by hundreds of researchers at Western and externally on an annual basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry or relevant field

Experience:

• 1 year of experience working in a research-intensive laboratory environment including experience with protein purification, kinetic analyses using Prism, and synthetic biology including cloning

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with operating software, analysis software, instrument procedures and multivendor maintenance protocols (including sample tracking, billing) would be an asset
• Knowledge of associated risks in a research environment with the ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis and with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and analyses
• Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Ability to remain highly motivated to accomplish goals in established timeframes and to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
• Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations
• Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
• Ability to follow formal processes and protocols with high attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to learn and use software programs related to research (Prism)
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to identify key results from research and to summarize and draft reports on research findings
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

The Research Technician will work under the direction of Principal Investigators, and in collaboration with researchers and students, to prepare and conduct experiments involving bacterial cultures, protein purification, biochemical analyses, flow cytometry, and data analyses, following set protocols and procedures in the research laboratory. The role will assist with laboratory maintenance and organization, ordering supplies, and will contribute to providing training and oversight to researchers and students, as required. The Research Technician will operate and support the installation, calibration, modification, troubleshooting and servicing of equipment and instrumentation related to the research.