Laboratory Technician Full-time NEW

Job Title

PIVOT Technician

Job Description

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) 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).

(2) 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.

Responsibilities

Molecular Biology technician position duties:

• Following carefully the SOPs and training from supervisor, and with regular updates to supervisor;
• Use strong time management and organization skills
• Pay close attention to details for meticulously executed experiments based on SOPs to achieve efficient accuracy and reproducibility
• Create virus vaccine vectors, using synthetic biology, traditional cloning, and molecular techniques to create vectors encoding antigens of interest
• Use cell lines and molecular protocols to propagate and purify vaccine vectors
• Titer viruses and viral vectors
• Assist with additional molecular virology-based research experiments
• Prepare standard solutions for the laboratory
• Orders needed laboratory consumables, handle biohazard waste and cleaning of laboratory glassware and other instruments
• Assists other lab members with experiments (including, but not limited to, molecular cloning, virus production, immune assays, flow cytometry, virus titering and qPCR)

Immunology technician position duties:

• Following carefully the SOPs and training from supervisor, and with regular updates to supervisor;
• Optimize and conduct many assays for assessing specific immunological readouts, such as ELISA and Elispot, flow cytometry and others.
• Standard mice husbandry, which may include receiving animals
• Make independent decisions regarding the health and care of animal colonies based on advice from animal care staff, veterinarians and principal investigator
• Conduct animal experiments independently or assists other lab members following discussion and instruction by lab members and principal investigator
• Conduct a variety of experimental procedures on animals including, but not limited to, injections, euthanasia, tissue sampling and processing
• Assist in the training of new students with animal experiments
• Immunological assays
• Prepares standard solutions for the laboratory

Both position duties:

• Maintains meticulous 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.

Qualifications

• B.Sc in life sciences (immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc), or NAIT diploma in Laboratory Research & Biotechnology program
• For molecular biology positions, demonstrated experience with molecular biology research
• For immunology positions, demonstrated experience with immunology-based research
• For immunology positions, 2 years experience in small animal model based research is essential
• Animal Handling certificate is preferred
• Experience in research environment
• 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:

• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated meticulous lab technique during experimentation and record keeping
• Demonstrated ability to take instructions from supervisor and maintain regular updates to supervisor
• Demonstrated ability to follow SOPs
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments
• 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
• Demonstrated time management skills to plan efficient experiments and other lab duties
• Strong organization skills

About the Team

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

About University of Alberta

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. 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.