Faculty Member
Laboratory Technician, Biology Full-time
Work where you matter. Vancouver Island University invites applications for the role of Laboratory Technician in the Biology department.
POSITION PROFILE:
As the Laboratory Technician, you will facilitate the delivery of laboratory and research components of the Biology program and support faculty and students in a range of activities. Providing laboratory support for a wide range of course offerings in the Biology department with a focus on cell and molecular biology, molecular genetics, genetics, development, immunology and biochemistry will be part of your everyday practice. You have excellent bench, communication, managerial and interpersonal skills, along with exceptional organizational ability and a keen sense for detail. It’s no surprise you take great pride in your work.
CANDIDATE EXPECTATIONS:
· Prepare materials used in or related to the laboratories. Set up, take down, and clean-up of laboratory, equipment and materials.
· Maintain culture collections (microbial, cell lines, nematodes, fruit flies) within the terms of institutional biosafety policy, including the proper physical storage of cultures; the regular transfer and evaluation of cultures for viability; keeping an up-to-date inventory of cultures.
· Maintain instructional supplies and equipment by procuring and purchasing supplies and equipment, as necessary; assisting instructors and students in obtaining course and project materials; monitoring equipment for proper function and calibration.
· Assist instructors in securing internal biosafety permits, when required.
· Assist faculty in pre-testing and troubleshooting laboratory activities and student research projects.
· Contribute to the general operation and maintenance of the laboratory facility, including maintenance and documentation of chemical and hazardous materials inventories; maintenance of procedural notes and standard operating procedures related to preparation for laboratory activities, etc.; monitoring and documenting the proper functioning of the autoclave.
Secondary duties:
· Assist faculty in the editing and revision of laboratory procedures.
· Assist faculty in the supervision and guidance of independent undergraduate researchers.
· Contribute to the maintenance of a library of reference materials and equipment manuals.
· Perform minor repair of departmental equipment.
· The above-listed duties are subject to change according to curricular offerings.
· See the VIU course calendar at http://www.viu.ca/biology for course descriptions and program information.
CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:
· Master of Science in Biology or a related discipline from an appropriately accredited institution.
· Significant and recent work experience in a laboratory and with a wide variety of molecular techniques.
· Demonstrable knowledge of cell and molecular biology, molecular genetics, genetics, development, immunology and biochemistry.
· Demonstrable experience using molecular biology methods (e.g., PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning, sequencing, sequence analysis, Western blotting, pull down assays).
· Demonstrable experience in preparation of reagents and assembly of laboratory equipment.
· Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
· Strong interpersonal, problem-solving and organizational skills.
· Ability to be resilient & flexible, work under pressure, and within tight timelines.
· Ability to work long periods of time with concentrated effort. Some evening and weekend work will be required.
· Physical capability to carry materials and equipment (up to 15kg) and potentially participate in field work.
· High level of computer literacy, including MS Office suite as well as basic online tools for sequence analysis.
TO APPLY:
View the full position profile and apply online by the posting close date, 21-Apr-2021. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. VIU embraces the principle of employment equity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and people of Indigenous descent.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Ideally situated on Mid-Vancouver Island with spectacular views of the coastal mountains, Vancouver Island University is a comprehensive teaching university with approximately 15,000 students across four campuses. VIU proudly fosters student success, strong community connections and international collaborations by providing access to a wide range of programs, from academic undergraduate and master’s to industry-responsive trades and vocational training. To be a part of the VIU community is to know what it is like to matter here.
The VIU community is located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’Amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge. We raise our hands and say, Hay ch qa’ sii’em sieye’ yu mukw Mustimuxw to the original stewards of these territories.