Cell Imaging Core Technologist

Competition 1095

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton. 

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) Core Research Facilities provide fee-based access to instrumentation, technology and/or services. These facilities allow our researchers access to essential scientific infrastructure at a reasonable cost. Benefits of using core facilities also include expert consultation, technical assistance, training and education from dedicated staff, enhancement of scientific collaboration, and promotion of higher-level experimentation.

The FoMD Cell Imaging Core is a multi-user facility providing resource access and services to over 100 users annually across the University of Alberta. The Facility provides services and training for light and electron microscopy and offers a wide range of cutting-edge imaging acquisition equipment and expert consultation for experimental design related to microscopy experiments. 

Position 

Reporting to the Cell Imaging Core Coordinator, this position provides technical and operational support in the FoMD Cell Imaging Core. This position will primarily focus on providing services to users conducting electron microscopy projects. Duties include assisting with or carrying out preparation of biological samples for electron microscopy, operation of the electron microscopes and other microscopes in the core, acquisition of data, and data analysis. The position also contributes to equipment and facility maintenance. 

Duties 

Microscopy Services and Sample Preparation (70%)

• Responsible for sample preparation, primarily for electron microscopy, including preparing reagents, performing tissue processing steps (fixing, staining, embedding) and thin sectioning of biological samples for different imaging modalities.
• Provides microscopy technical and troubleshooting services to users of the facility, including advice on experimental design.
• Performs routine maintenance (e.g. alignment, performance checking, etc.) and operation of electron microscopy and preparative equipment for electron microscopy including ultramicrotome, knife maker, high pressure freezer, freeze substitution, carbon coater, etc.
• Assists with preparing documentation and SOPs related to sample preparation for autonomous users.

Training of users of facility equipment (10%)

• Training of new users in the theoretical and technical aspects of light and electron microscopy.
• Participates, in collaboration with other FoMD Cell Imaging Core personnel, in the development and presentation of lectures, practical sessions and workshops.

Facility specific operational tasks (20%)

• Coordinates equipment bookings (using Stratocore PPMS management software).
• Assists in the preparation of invoices for electron microscopy projects.
• Assists in other imaging equipment routine maintenance and makes minor repairs as required.
• Performs software upgrades on image acquisition and analysis computers.
• Manages issues related to biohazards, ensures trainees and users are aware of safety issues, monitors compliance.
• Attends external microscopy vendor demonstrations, teaching and practical imaging workshops, and microscopy focused scientific meetings as required.
• Performs general lab maintenance including reagent inventory and cleaning.
• Provides staff relief in absence of other staff members in the facility. Provides staff relief for the Cell Imaging Facility at the Cross Cancer Institute as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc in Biology or related field required
• One to two years of related experience in a laboratory research environment.
• Ability to multitask and successfully meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

• MSc in Biology or related field preferred
• One to two years of electron microscopy sample preparation or imaging experience preferred.
• Knowledge of light and electron microscopy imaging techniques, sample preparation, and analysis of imaging data preferred.
• Knowledge in image acquisition software(s), both commercial and open source preferred.
• Knowledge in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and coding preferred.
• Knowledge in computer hardware, operating systems, software, administration in network environments preferred.