Job Description

Laboratory Technician, Omics and Precision Analytics

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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, OPAL is responsible for performing routine high-throughput sequencing workflows.

NATURE OF WORK

Reporting to the Platform Lead, OPAL, and receiving day-to-day direction from the Technical Lead, the Laboratory Technician is responsible for executing standard laboratory protocols and procedures. The Laboratory Technician is experienced in the techniques utilized in a modern genomics facility, including nucleic acid extraction and quality control, sequencing library preparation, and sequencing instrument operation. Occasionally there may be a requirement to work outside of standard hours.



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 Technical Lead. 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 success requires you understand the interconnectedness of GIFS and the impact that changes and operations have on all the platforms, programs, customers, and the reputation of GIFS. Key characteristics of the role include a strong commitment to safety, support of change management, and team leadership through exemplification of GIFS values. Other characteristics include the ability to establish and maintain relationships as well as to work collaboratively with others while implementing difficult and challenging decisions. Agility, speed, and focus are essential to achieving milestones, deliverables, and outcomes.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leads by example. Performs laboratory techniques within and supporting DNA sequencing workflows. Operates and maintains laboratory equipment including + Automated liquid handling systems,
+ High-throughput sequencing instruments (both long-read and short-read)
+ Laboratory Information Management System.
Contributes to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) programs through adherence to SOPs and QA/QC standards. A can-do attitude and willingness to take on new projects and responsibilities. Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly working environment in the lab. Documents work in the laboratory Assists with ordering supplies, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

BSc degree in Biology or related field, or a combination of skills and experience, may be considered. Minimum 2 years of industry experience is required. Previous experience with nucleic acid extraction and preparing DNA sequencing libraries, especially for Illumina and PacBio platforms. Standard First Aid & CPR, and other safety certifications, considered an asset.

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. Ability to work effectively in a diverse atmosphere, and a Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on the company's success.

Department:

Global Inst for Food Security

Status:

Permanent

Employment Group:

Research Positions - Non-union

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

1 FTE

Posted Date:

8/27/2025

Closing Date:

9/23/2025 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings:

1

Work Location:

On Campus




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

deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy

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 Metis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Metis 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.