Laboratory Technician

Competition 1613

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

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

This competition may be used to fill multiple positions.

Location -  Work primarily takes place 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 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.

Working for the Department/Faculty 

Striving for Pandemic Preparedness  - The Alberta Research Consortium (SPP-ARC) is a research initiative at the University of Alberta. The mission of SPP-ARC is to discover, develop, and assess vaccines and small molecule therapeutics for better protection against emerging pathogens. The vision of SPP-ARC is to provide effective medical countermeasures as a first line of defense in outbreak situations with viruses of high epidemic potential.

Position 

The Prairie Immune and Vaccine Optimization and Testing (PIVOT) Core at the University of Alberta seeks experienced and motivated technicians to fill positions in one of the two skills categories: (1) Immunology technician positions, with experience conducting pre-clinical studies focused on immune responses to new vaccine candidates. The candidate would conduct animal-based experiments, including ordering, maintenance and record keeping either independently or alongside other researchers. High throughput immunological assays such as ELISA, Elispot, flow cytometry, and microscopy will be utilized. This position requires expertise and experience in immunology and optimizing and conducting immunology-related assays. (2) Molecular Biology technicians: with molecular biology experience essential for creating vaccine vectors, rescuing virus-based vaccines and propagation and purification of the vectors. This position would require proven expertise in cell culture and molecular biology (cloning, gene and protein expression).

Independent decision-making and collaboration with lab trainees, animal care staff, the principal investigator and veterinarians will be needed.

Duties 

Animal Experiments

• Standard mice husbandry, which may include receiving animals
• Makes independent decisions regarding the health and care of animal colonies based on advice from animal care staff, veterinarians and principal investigator
• Conducts animal experiments independently or assists other lab members following discussion and instruction by lab members and principal investigator
• Conducts a variety of experimental procedures on animals including, but not limited to, injections, euthanasia, tissue sampling and processing
• Assists in the training of new students with animal experiments

Immunological assays

• Optimizes and conducts many assays for assessing specific immunological readouts, such as ELISA and Elispot, flow cytometry and others.

Molecular Biology

• Prepares standard solutions for the laboratory
• Using synthetic biology and traditional cloning, and many molecular techniques, create vectors encoding antigens of interest
• Using cell lines and molecular protocols, rescue vectors
• Propagate and purify vaccine vectors

Assistance in Research Experiments

• Prepares standard solutions for the laboratory
• Orders needed laboratory consumables, handles biohazard waste and cleaning of laboratory glassware and other instruments
• Works independently or assists other lab members with experiments (including, but not limited to, molecular cloning, virus production, immune assays, flow cytometry, virus titering and qPCR)

Maintaining Records

• Maintains current records of experiments
• Assists in maintaining and completing animal protocols and associated paperwork
• Ensures compliance with EHS under the supervision of the principal investigator

Minimum Qualifications

• B.Sc in life sciences (immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc)
• For immunology positions, demonstrated experience with immunology-based research
• For molecular biology positions, demonstrated experience with molecular biology research
• 2 years of experience in small animal model-based research is essential
• Experience in a research environment
• Experience with handling and care of small animals
• Strong experience with troubleshooting laboratory protocols and equipment
• Experience with the administration of policies and procedures
• Experience with biohazard, radiation, WHMIS safety and policy
• Computer proficiency with MS Office and other platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work effectively.
• Ability to network and build strong professional relationships
• Ability to strategize and develop creative and efficient solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and pivot to rapidly changing demands
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing competing priorities
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization, accuracy, and attention to detail 
• Animal Handling certificate is preferred

Applications will begin to be reviewed on October 30, 2024, and positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified.