Department of Microbiology
Faculty of Science
Position number: 38005
Date posted: July 2, 2026
Lab Technician - Tech 3 (AESES)
New Project Full-Time (Grant Funded)
Work schedule:
35 Hours/week (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Salary:
$23.13 to $33.29 per hour ($42,096.60 to $60,587.80 per annum)
Appointment Dates
August 1, 2026 to August 6, 2027
For more information please contact: Stephanie Carter - [email protected]
MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION/TRAINING:
- BSc in Microbiology or a related field of study is required.
EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with molecular biology protocols, field work in a variety of environmental conditions, prokaryotic nomenclature and systematics experience is required. (Latin is required)
- Experience with cultivation and enrichment in liquid medium, solid medium, under modified headspace and anaerobically is required.
- An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Skill in DNA extraction and sequencing is required.
- Skill with command-line computational analysis (Linux, Windows Shell) is required.
- Skill with script execution and modification (R, Python) is required.
- Skill with name etymology derivation and formation is required.
- Physically capable of carrying and operating bulky field sampling equipment required.
- Ability to perform aseptic field sampling under challenging conditions required.
- Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.
Molecular Biological Protocols
- DNA extraction from environmental samples to obtain high quality DNA for metagenomic surveys
- DNA sequencing library preparation to prepare DNA for obtaining sequencing information
- Metagenomic DNA sequencing through loading of flow cells, reagent preparation, configuration of sequencing runs
Nomenclature Curation
- Latin name generation for newly identified taxa from Palmer lab environmental samples
- Grammatical evaluation of scientific names and curation in SeqCode Registry, an online prokaryotic naming platform
- Development of Latin training materials for nomenclature of prokaryotes through creating SOPs and guidelines on process of naming
Bioinformatics
- Systematic classification of sequence reads to identify microbial community members from environmental samples
- Metagenomic assembly and binning to construct organism genomes
- Data visualization of results for reporting purposes to farmers, granting agencies and other stakeholders
Field Sampling and cultivation
- Sampling of saline spring sediments, saline spring water, freshwater, mine run-off, metal-contaminated areas for microbial community monitoring in ongoing Palmer lab microbial census programs
- Enrichment, cultivation, and isolation of novel microbes
Administration
- Ordering of lab supplies, reagents, equipment etc.
- Arranging and managing group meetings for Palmer lab, along with room bookings
- Other duties as assigned.
The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.
