Job Description

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) and the Department of Health Management are seeking a Research Technician to join their team! The Research Technician will coordinate and manage three CL2 laboratories and one CL1 laboratory. With a focus in working in the laboratory, the Research Technician will also at time collect field-based samples.

What we offer:

Comprehensive Health and Dental Post Retirement Benefits Tuition Waivers Health and Wellness on Campus available to staff Professional Development Opportunities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facilitate and coordinate diverse activities and schedules for faculty, technicians, graduate students, summer students, and casual laborers Check and maintain workflows and assume responsibility as a primary person of contact for lab-related activities Provide technical assistance for research laboratory and field activities for the department of Health Management Maintain all biohazardous and chemical materials inventories in UPEI's central inventory lists Coordinate and maintain Laboratory Containment Level 2 (CL2) certification, following guidelines for both Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Maintain an updated Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) portfolio and Pathogen Safety Data Sheet (PSDS) portfolio for all biologicals Assist researchers in preparing UPEI biosafety applications and other forms and permits as needed Conduct regular supply inventories and place orders when necessary as well as assist researchers in ordering their laboratory supplies Provide safety training to all personnel working in the lab and ensure that lab policies are being followed Maintain the lab quality control programs for service diagnostic testing including maintaining the laboratory's USDA accreditation for Johne's disease diagnostic testing Train laboratory users in the proper use of lab equipment Clean and carry out preventative maintenance on all instruments and equipment and arrange for repairs when necessary Develop, review and update standard operating procedures (SOP's) for technical, administrative, and safety policies Review and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and other documents for technical accuracy Review literature and maintain up to date knowledge of scientific procedures relevant to the position Act as a liaison to internal and external persons and organizations regarding technical issues for research projects and/or diagnostic results Handle, restrain and collect animal samples (i.e. feces, blood, milk) from farm animals

QUALIFICATIONS:

A successful candidate must have experience in maintaining and coordinating a CL2 laboratory and aiding, training, and providing oversight of other technicians and students working in the laboratory Laboratory skills that are required include performing standard microbiological culturing procedures for CL2 pathogens, bacterial identification using MALDI-TOF, bacterial MIC sensitivity testing using Sensititre ARIS HiQ, PCR, ELISA and other common laboratory assays Proficiency in data management and effective communication with UPEI staff, faculty and students as well as outside clients (producers and veterinarians) are required Minimum educational requirements include a Bachelor of Science in the field of animal science, biology, biotechnology or equivalent education and experience Evidence of academic research experience (MSc or similar relevant experience) is desired Evidence of working in and maintaining a CL2 laboratory and proficiency in working with and handling large domestic animals in the field are required Experience in the safe restraint of farm animals and sample collection (ie fecal, blood, and milk) from these species is required * Knowledge of agricultural practices specifically related to the dairy industry is also required