This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.
The mission of PIVOT in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, is to discover, develop, and assess vaccines for better protection against
emerging pathogens.
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.
Collaboration with lab trainees, animal care staff, the principal investigator and veterinarians will be needed. These positions will have a starting duration of 1 year and 1 day with the possibility of extension.
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.
Molecular Biology technician position duties:
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Following carefully the SOPs and training from supervisor, and with regular updates to supervisor;
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Use strong time management and organization skills
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Pay close attention to details for meticulously executed experiments based on SOPs to achieve efficient accuracy and reproducibility
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Create virus vaccine vectors, using synthetic biology, traditional cloning, and molecular techniques to create vectors encoding antigens of interest
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Use cell lines and molecular protocols to propagate and purify vaccine vectors
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Titer viruses and viral vectors
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Assist with additional molecular virology-based research experiments
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Prepare standard solutions for the laboratory
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Orders needed laboratory consumables, handle biohazard waste and cleaning of laboratory glassware and other instruments
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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:
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Following carefully the SOPs and training from supervisor, and with regular updates to supervisor;
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Optimize and conduct many assays for assessing specific immunological readouts, such as ELISA and Elispot, flow cytometry and others.
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Standard mice husbandry, which may include receiving animals
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Make independent decisions regarding the health and care of animal colonies based on advice from animal care staff, veterinarians and principal investigator
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Conduct animal experiments independently or assists other lab members following discussion and instruction by lab members and principal investigator
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Conduct a variety of experimental procedures on animals including, but not limited to, injections, euthanasia, tissue sampling and processing
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Assist in the training of new students with animal experiments
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Immunological assays
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Prepares standard solutions for the laboratory
Both position duties
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Maintains meticulous current records of experiments
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Assists in maintaining and completing animal protocols and associated paperwork
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Ensures compliance with EHS under the supervision of the principal investigator.
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B.Sc in life sciences (immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc), or NAIT diploma in Laboratory Research & Biotechnology program
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For molecular biology positions, demonstrated experience with molecular biology research
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For immunology positions, demonstrated experience with immunology-based research
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For immunology positions, 2 years experience in small animal model based research is essential
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Animal Handling certificate is preferred
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Experience in research environment
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Strong experience with troubleshooting laboratory protocols and equipment
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Experience with the administration of policies and procedures
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Experience with biohazard, radiation, WHMIS safety and policy
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Computer proficiency with MS Office and other platforms
Preferred qualifications:
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Demonstrated strong attention to detail
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Demonstrated meticulous lab technique during experimentation and record keeping
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Demonstrated ability to take instructions from supervisor and maintain regular updates to supervisor
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Demonstrated ability to follow SOPs
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Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments
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Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing competing priorities
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Demonstrated understanding of the importance of creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices
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Demonstrated time management skills to plan efficient experiments and other lab duties
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Strong organization skills
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.
This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
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. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
