Position Overview

The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Laboratory Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the research laboratory technician is to perform skilled and semi-skilled laboratory procedures required for molecular biology research and next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tasks are routine with moderate complexity and will include but not necessarily be limited to mammalian cell culture, western blot analysis, PCR analysis, NGS library preparation and DNA/RNA sequencing. The position will provide technical support for other team members through undertaking common laboratory tasks by carrying out experiments in a team setting and maintaining an organized laboratory environment.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Isolation of DNA/RNA from clinical samples and cell lines
• Construction of NGS libraries (perform quality control, carrying out titrations)
• Perform DNA/RNA sequencing
• Preparation of knock-out cell lines using CRISPR genome editing technology
• Conduct molecular biology analyses using western blotting and PCR analysis
• Development, documentation, and implementation of standard operating procedures
• Maintain inventory database of supplies, lab generated samples, incoming/outgoing specimens, and chemicals
• Perform routine monitoring, maintenance, and safe and reliable operation of lab equipment
• Establish and maintaining mammalian tissue cultures
• Preparation of basic laboratory stock solutions (e.g. TE, TBS, PBS, ethanol solutions, SDS-PAGE sample and running buffers, agarose gel loading dyes, paraformaldehyde, antibiotic stocks etc.)
• Maintain clear and well-documented reports of all research experiments
• Keep common areas and 'clean' areas (e.g. mammalian tissue culture hoods and incubators) tidy and clean
• Autoclave glassware, solutions, laboratory reagents and items for tissue culture and molecular biology
• Train other staff and students in the operation of equipment and laboratory protocols
• Understanding of safety codes, standards, and systems related to specialization
• Establish and maintain effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, immediate supervisor and senior management and with the campus community
• Demonstrate strong communication, team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines
• Keep PI and Manager informed of activities and progress of work
• Perform other duties as assigned by the PI

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Science in biochemistry/molecular biology required with a Masters degree in Science preferred
• Minimum 3 years experience working in areas such as molecular biology, gene sequencing and genotyping
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in performing mammalian tissue culture procedures and molecular biology research procedures is required
• Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication, written and organizational skills
• Perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex technological systems
• Interact with other members of the team and undertake literature reviews
• Provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
• Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Intermediate to advanced skills in bioinformatics analysis is an asset

Application Deadline: April 16 , 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase I.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada's leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation's most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada's top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.