Job Description

Laboratory Technician, Engineering Biology & Omics and Precision Agriculture Laboratory (OPAL)

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. This is a bold vision, one that we will strive to achieve through investing in our talent. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners, and stakeholders to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.

We are guided by our Values of: Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Laboratory Technician, Engineering Biology & OPAL is responsible for performing routine high-throughput engineering biology and sequencing workflows, using manual and automated techniques.

NATURE OF WORK

Reporting to the Platform Leads, from Engineering Biology & OPAL, the Laboratory Technician is responsible for executing and helping to develop laboratory protocols and procedures using manual and automated techniques. The Laboratory Technician is experienced in the techniques utilized in a modern biotechnology facility, including general microbiology, DNA assembly/cloning, nucleic acid extraction and quality control, and sequencing library preparation. Occasionally there may be a requirement to work outside of standard hours. The majority of the employee\'s time will be spent on-site in the laboratory.

You are part of the GIFS team, and your work is highly interconnected with other programs and platforms within GIFS. Day-to-day priority and scheduling decisions are made under the direction of the Engineering Biology and OPAL Platform Leads, who will jointly provide a clear schedule for all work. Work volume is high with a degree of judgement required for day-to-day technical decision making. The impact of error is high as it could result in reputational damage, significant losses in time, or replacement of materials and supplies.

Your work occurs in a laboratory outfitted with cutting edge equipment, where there is continuous change and growth, with shifting and competing priorities. Key characteristics of the role include a strong commitment to safety, and exemplification of GIFS values. You will be part of a team that fosters a work atmosphere that is collaborative, open, positive, supportive, responsive, and transparent.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Leads by example.
• Works closely with team members to execute engineering biology and DNA sequencing projects and services.
• Performs laboratory techniques including DNA assembly, bacteria and yeast transformation and culturing, nucleic acid extraction and quality control (QC), and DNA sequencing workflows.
• Operates and maintains automated laboratory equipment including various liquid handling systems, high-throughput sequencing instruments, plate readers, incubators, sealers, and peelers.
• Contributes to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) programs through adherence to SOPs and QA/QC standards.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly working environment in the lab.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Biotechnology Diploma or BSc with at least 2 years\' experience in a molecular biology, microbiology, or related laboratory (i.e. thesis, co-op, or industry experience)
• A MSc would be considered a strong asset.
• At least 2 year\'s experience with nucleic acid extraction and preparing DNA sequencing libraries, especially for Illumina and PacBio platforms.
• Experience with programming (i.e. Python) and working with a laboratory information management system (LIMS) are considered assets.
• Experience with flow cytometry, analytical equipment (i.e., HPLC, LCMS, MS), or related data are considered assets.
• Standard First Aid & CPR, and other safety certifications, are considered assets.

SKILLS

Proven ability to work effectively in a team-based environment is critical; excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytic, and problem-solving skills; proficiency with MS Office applications (particularly Word and Excel); highly motivated and organized; and demonstrated ability to illustrate leadership and contribute to building an empowered team. The following are required for success in this position:

• Sound judgment, discretion, tact, diplomacy, and professional integrity, coupled with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Effective organizational skills and the acumen to handle complex situations and manage multiple objectives with competing deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain the level of professional relationships that support exceptional collaboration within GIFS.
• Ability to identify issues and collaborate to develop and implement innovative and outcomes-oriented solutions.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and report information with fastidious attention to detail.
• Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on the company\'s success.
• Demonstrated adherence to laboratory SOPs and analytical skills including problem solving, troubleshooting, and recommending solutions.

Passionate about learning new technologies and creating innovative solutions.

Department: Global Institute for Food Security
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 6
Posted Date: 6/26/2023
Closing Date: 8/7/2023
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where \'Yes\' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver\'s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan\'s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the M\xc3\xa9tis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and M\xc3\xa9tis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan