Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Lab Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the principal investigator, and will be responsible for conducting cancer immunology research and managing laboratory operations.

Research focuses on the role of immune cells against cancers. In particular, the lab focuses on development of adoptive T cell therapy against leukemia using both in vitro systems and animal (mouse) models of disease. In particular, the applicant will be studying the biology of T cells in targeting leukemic cells without harming the normal cells in cell culture systems and in mouse models of leukemia.

Due to the nature of the work, flexibility in working hours may be needed.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Independently performing experiments within the scope of the laboratory\'s research mission, involving:

• Inducing and monitoring in vivo models of leukemia
• Harvesting tissues for histology and/or cell isolation
• Tissue culture
• Molecular biological assays (RT-PCR, Western blot)
• Immunological assays (ELISA, flow cytometry)
• Assisting with other experimental procedures in lab
• Documenting and reporting research results to PI
• Presenting data in lab meetings
• Assist in writing manuscripts and grant applications
• Lab management / Administrative

• Writing & updating laboratory protocols
• Setting up and maintaining data bases for inventory and experimental data
• Ensuring lab conforms to safety codes and standards
• Keep laboratory and work area clean and safe
• Managing animal protocols
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with lab members, supervisors, university management and the campus community
• Communicating with vendors
• Overseeing reagent/lab supply inventory and ordering
• Overseeing operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences (ex. Immunology, molecular biology, physiology), or equivalent; MSc degree in Biological Sciences is preferred, but not required
• PhD degree in Biological Science is an asset
• Experience within the research specialty or a related field, including experience individually performing experiments

• Previous technical experience with
• General and specialized animal (mouse) handling, including: injection techniques, tissue/blood collection, perfusion
• Cell culture
• Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, (q)RT-PCR, Western blot
• Data analysis
• Must be collaborative and willing to work closely with other members of the research team
• Demonstrated research documentation and reporting skills
• Able to work in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook), or equivalent
• Ability to work independently and seek out information and support when needed
• Follows established guidelines, procedures, and standards
• A high degree of motivation, reliability, and independence
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong work ethic
• Excellent competency in written and verbal communication
• Any, or a combination of the following experience would be a plus:

• Human T cell isolation and culture
• Cloning
• Flow cytometry staining and analysis
• Viral transduction
• Experience with online/cloud-based data tracking and sharing, such as electronic notebooks, (online) database systems, mouse colony management systems
• Experience with individually managing a research project
• Experience with writing scientific manuscripts, literature reviews and/or grant applications

Application Deadline: August 1, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our . For more information visit .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada\'s leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation\'s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada\'s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide in line with the foundational goals of , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the ( ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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