Laboratory Technician

Competition 2065

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

This position has a term length of 2 years and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

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 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.

Working for the Department of Physiology

The Department of Physiology is dedicated to exploring the intricate workings of living systems through studying the biological and chemical processes governing their functions.  Physiology links other biomedical sciences with experimental and clinical medicine.

The Leslie Lab uses human relevant in vitro models to understand the cellular handling of the human carcinogen arsenic. Millions of people worldwide are exposed to unacceptable levels of arsenic in drinking water. Current projects are exploring how the essential trace nutrient selenium counteracts arsenic toxicity.

Position Summary

The research assistant will provide assistance to the Principle Investigator (PI) and after consultation with the PI also other laboratory members with ongoing research projects. This includes reagent preparation, collecting and organizing data and preliminary data analysis. In addition, the person that fills this position will perform routine lab maintenance duties, order laboratory supplies and equipment, maintain radioactive material inventory, ensure conformity to radiation and biohazard safety regulations. The laboratory technician will train new students on cell culture and microbiology techniques.

Duties 

• Preparation of reagents (e.g., buffers, bacteria broth and ampicillin agar plates, plasmid preparations)
• Performing experiments designed by PI and other laboratory personnel
• Collecting and organizing data on experiments with a preliminary analysis
• Shipping of experimental samples to collaborators
• Lab cleaning and dish washing
• Autoclaving
• Ordering laboratory supplies
• Maintenance of cell culture stocks
• Maintenance of chemical, biological, radioactive inventory
• Maintenance of equipment
• Chemical, biological and radioactive waste management

Qualifications

• Post-secondary Diploma in a related field
• Minimum of one year experience in a health science research lab with mammalian cell cultures
• Computer proficiency using MS Office applications (Word, Excel)
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills
• Experience with longterm cell cultures (stable cell lines and/or immortalized cell lines requiring differentiation)