Advanced Cell Exploration Core Technologist

Competition 902

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 Advanced Cell Exploration Core

The Advanced Cell Exploration Core (ACE) is a Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) core research facility that provides services and infrastructure access to over 50 research groups annually across the University of Alberta. ACE primarily provides services for nucleic acid analyses and single cell profiling, with a current focus on next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics. ACE enables faculty members and researchers to access expertise and innovative technology pipelines that individual laboratories cannot otherwise support.  

Position 

Reporting to the Advanced Cell Exploration Core Coordinator, this position supports the Advanced Cell Exploration Core services, including single-cell sequencing, nucleic acid capture, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, detection of DNA modifications, operation of the liquid handling robots and support of high content screens. 

Duties 

• Responsible for sample preparation, primarily related to single-cell sequencing library preparation and spatial omics assay execution from cell suspensions and tissues provided by users.
• Performs several common molecular biology techniques, including PCR, real-time PCR, and cDNA preparation, DNA size selection.
• Performs quality assessment of nucleic acid samples.
• Performs high content screens (RNAi, small molecules).
• Provides technical assistance to the Coordinator and other Advanced Cell Exploration Core staff as required during the development phase of projects.
• Provides training and technical assistance to users.
• Provides project coordination on several projects through assisting with project design, project development and tracking.
• Assists with the development of new applications for service.
• Orders necessary reagents and consumables as required.
• Ensures accurate and timely record keeping.
• Performs required instrument maintenance.
• Completes tasks as assigned by the Advanced Cell Exploration Core Coordinator.

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc Degree in Molecular Genetics, Microbiology or Biochemistry required; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• 1 - 2 years of related experience in a laboratory research environment.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to multitask and successfully meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent critical and strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MSc preferred.
• A basic understanding of various single cell transcriptomic technologies is an asset.
• Coding experience is an asset.