Job Description

Description

The

Department of Biological Sciences

within the

Faculty of Science

invites applications for a

Lab Technician

. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.


The Integrative Viromics Lab, led by Canada Research Chair in Viromics & One Health, investigates the role of viruses in human and environmental microbiomes. We combine microbiology, virology, and genomics to study phage-host interactions.


We are seeking a Laboratory Technician with expertise in phage biology and anaerobic microbiology to support our growing research program. This position will focus on culturing bacteria and their phages, maintaining anaerobic chambers, and ensuring smooth daily lab operations.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Phage & Bacterial Culturing: Isolate, propagate, and characterize bacteriophages from diverse environments. Anaerobic Work: Operate and maintain anaerobic chambers for culturing strict anaerobes. Media Preparation: Prepare and QC complex growth media for aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Sample Processing: Assist with environmental and clinical sample handling for virome/microbiome projects.

Lab Operations:

Maintain a safe and organized lab environment in compliance with biosafety protocols. Order supplies, manage inventory, and coordinate equipment maintenance. Mentorship: Train and support graduate and undergraduate students in phage and microbiology techniques.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline with 2+ years of experience or a Master's degree Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology. Hands-on experience with bacterial culture and basic molecular biology. Comfort working in a BSL-2 lab environment and following biosafety guidelines. Strong organizational and communication skills.

Preferred:

Experience with phage isolation and characterization. Experience working with anaerobic chambers and anaerobic bacteria. Familiarity with microbiological media preparation and lab safety management.
Interest in mentoring trainees and supporting collaborative science.

Application Deadline:

October 15, 2025

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.


This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the

Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 1.


For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy 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 Office of Institutional Commitments (

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

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.