This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day, with the possibility of extension.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.
This position will be under direct supervision of Dr. Heather Armstrong at the University of Alberta. The position supports key clinical and cell-based sample processing, preparation of laboratory solutions, assisting with routine laboratory immunochemical and anaerobic microbe assays, advanced clinical specimen culture methods, and routine cell culture using established procedures, maintaining laboratory inventory, and performing other lab related duties as assigned (equipment maintenance, cleaning, training techniques to students and staff, presentations, and preparing manuscripts).
The primary focus of this technician will be to assist with human and animal stool processing, RNA/DNA extractions for 16S and shotgun metagenomics, anaerobic microbiota cultures, cell culture experiments, and biochemical experiments (e.g., microscopy, flow cytometry, histopathology, ELISAs) investigating diet-microbiome-host interactions in the setting of IBD.
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.
EXPERIMENTAL - 70% - Performs routine lab assays with human and animal tissues, human and animal stool, anaerobic microbes, or cell lines with a particular focus on stool and tissues genomic extractions and library preparations for sequencing, sample preparations for multi-omics, and independently maintaining and culturing anaerobic microbes. Advanced experience with anaerobic cultures, sequencing preparation, biochemical assays (e.g., microscopy, flow cytometry, histopathology, ELISAs) and bioinformatics is an asset.
MAINTENANCE - 10% - Operates/maintains lab equipment including anaerobic chambers, centrifuges, incubators, Qubit, histopathology equipment and microscopes.
COMMUNICATION - 5% - Reads literature, data analysis, make graphs, PowerPoint presentations of results for lab meetings. It is a requirement to submit weekly progress reports on work being completed and to communicate clearly with other team members and industry technical support groups.
CLEANING - 10% - Helps with organization, functioning of lab including basic lab cleanup and help with inventory, autoclaving, ordering of lab consumables/equipment.
TRAINING - 5% - Assists supervisor with teaching scientific techniques to trainees.
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Minimum education BSc in Medicine, Physiology, Microbiology, or a related study area, including minimum 2-year independent experience with laboratory analysis techniques required
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Experience with independently running and operating an anaerobic chamber and culturing live anaerobic microbes.
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Experience with RNA/DNA extractions and library preparation for sequencing.
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Experience with clinical sampling, histopathology, tissue sample processing, immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence.
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Experience with cell culture, and biochemical endpoint analysis including ELISA, flow cytometry, and qPCR.
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Experience with statistical programs such as Graphpad Prism and computing programs such as Endnote, Word/WordPerfect, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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Ability to independently adapt techniques, to plan and carry out experiments and procedures under general direction and to keep within budget and schedule guidelines.
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Initiative and ability to master new and difficult techniques through further education or training.
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Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team and receive constructive feedback.
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Ability to train staff and students in complex techniques used in the workplace.
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Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Prior involvement in writing manuscripts related to immunology and gastroenterology is an asset.
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Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans
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Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE) training
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume, cover letter, and list of publications.
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 acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
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.
