Entomology Research Technician

Competition 1383

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

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

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

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. This position will require travel for both day trips and overnight trips throughout Alberta and adjacent provinces.

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 FirstPeoples 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 over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 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.

Position 

The Agricultural & Ecological Entomology Laboratory at the University of Alberta is led by Dr. Boyd Mori (Dept Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science). The technician will work with autonomy and minimal supervision on a variety of projects. The technician will support physiological, molecular, chemical, and behavioural ecology research for various projects. To support the various research projects, the candidate will conduct an array of administrative and laboratory tasks including records keeping, laboratory administration and maintenance, various safety and inventory activities, and insect colony maintenance. The candidate will orientate all new trainees working within the research team and provide training where applicable. Daily activities are carried out without supervision, but major and long-term decisions are discussed with the Principal Investigator. 

Duties

Lab Environment (40%)

• Orientates new lab members with respect to safety regulations.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment in all lab spaces.  Ensures that HQP are compliant with lab maintenance and safety.
• Develops and maintains an inventory of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Maintains and operates lab equipment, including cleaning and regular maintenance (growth chambers, balance, computers, gas chromatograph, electroantennogram, olfactometer, etc.).
• Manages ordering of items needed for lab research and maintenance.
• Assists with hiring volunteers and summer research assistants (e.g. job advertisements, etc.).
• Prepares common solutions and ensures safe disposal of chemical waste.
• Updates the lab ARISE system with new researchers and manages lab safety inspections.
• Reconciles laboratory credit card (P-card) statements.
• Maintains lab website.

Research (60%)

• Maintain insect colonies; regular checks and cleaning.
• Maintains records and orders supplies.
• Maintain field vehicles.
• Help with Experiment Maintenance.
• Monitor experiments and help with data collection.
• Maintain plants and insects for experiments.
• Count and dissect captured insects.
• Identification of insect samples.
• Preservation and curation of insect samples for long-term storage.
• Careful recording of data and data storage.
• Communication with lab members regarding the successful execution of experiments.
• Record and report on data, and write detailed experimental methodology sections.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree is required.
• A driver's license will be required for this position to drive University vehicles for limited travel, both day trips and overnight trips throughout Alberta and adjacent provinces. The minimum requirement is a valid Class 5 driver's license (no GDL); Defensive Driving Training; Must pass the U of A Fleet Safety Driver's Evaluation and maintain the U of A Authorized Driver status (minimum age 19).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with live insects including swede midge, and Contarinia nasturtii.
• Experience working in this field in Alberta.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
• Experience with University systems such as ARISE, Peoplesoft and SupplyNet is considered an asset.
• First Aid and WHMIS certifications are considered an asset.