Job Description

Department

VPRI Research Integrity Support

Salary range

$54,977.40 to $74,669.16

Hours per week

35

Grade

8

Posted date

June 23, 2025

Closing date

July 7, 2025

Position Type

Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

---------------

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).


This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire with the possibility of extension, and offers a comprehensive benefits package. Internal secondments will be considered.

Location -

Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.


The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.


Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people -- from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just.

Learn more

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Working for

Research Integrity Support (RIS)

The Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio encompasses services which support the Institution and its researchers in the provision of effective and responsible administration of compliance based requirements for research involving human participants, research, teaching, and testing involving animals and research security. Within RIS, the University's Animal Care and Use Program provides oversight for the conduct of animal research in the various animal facilities and research spaces across campus. Specifically, the North Campus Animal Services (NCAS) facilities have been recently consolidated under the office of the VPRI. As an integral member of the Research Integrity Support (RIS) team, and supporting the NCAS facilities training program and the Institutional Animal Care and Use program more generally, the NCAS Training Instructor plays a crucial role in supporting the University of Alberta's researchers and their teams with training to conduct quality ethical animal research.

Position

Reporting to the Associate University Veterinarian, Compliance & Training, the NCAS Training Instructor is primarily responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality training workshops to staff, students, and researchers involved in animal research as well as assessing technical skill competencies.


This position involves diverse and complex responsibilities, requiring a high level of independence, sound judgment, and the ability to perform effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The role will involve utilizing understanding of national and provincial veterinary standards, Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines, the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of animals in Research (NC3Rs), as well as adherence to institutional policies and procedures.

Duties

Deliver basic animal care, humane methods of handling and restraining, euthanasia, anesthesia, aseptic surgical techniques, basic surgery, and various species-specific veterinary techniques training workshops to staff, students, and researchers involved in animal research. The hands-on workshops are delivered in groups of 2-4 or one-on-one sessions. The animal species may include but are not limited to mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, cats, pigs, birds, fish, and amphibians. Assess the technical skill competency of trainees and issue certificates of completion upon successful demonstration of required skills. Set up and prepare training facilities, ensuring materials and equipment are properly organized and available. Arrange training areas to meet the specific requirements of each lab session. Monitoring the training animal inventory as well as the training room's supplies. Clean and sanitize training areas after sessions, including disinfecting tables and sweeping/mopping floors to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. Provide assistance to the development of the institutional animal user training program (IAUTP). This may involve helping with curriculum development, training delivery methods, assessment and certification, and risk management and safety. Attend quarterly skill development sessions to enhance expertise and knowledge. Assist with the training workshop registration process. This may include communicating with trainees, Principal Investigator or delegate to determine the training requirements as well as consulting the Animal Use Protocols (AUPs).

Qualifications

Education:

Diploma in Veterinary Technology from a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accredited institution.

Certifications:

Veterinary Technologist registered and in good standing with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (BVMA) and the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA). Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) with an active membership with the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) is an asset.

Experience:

2-3 years of experience in working with laboratory animal used in research and competent in performing various research techniques on multiple species. Experience working with animals in a professional setting (e.g. Veterinary Hospital) is an asset. Previous teaching experience is an asset.

Knowledge and Skills:

Familiarity with animal care and use as well as common research techniques used in laboratory animals. Proficiency in and knowledge of surgical and anesthetic equipment, procedures and post-operative care. Knowledge of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines, veterinary standards and institutional policies and procedures related to animal care and welfare. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Effective organizational and time-management skills. Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deliver content in front of an audience. Excellent interpersonal skills to work with staff, students, researchers. Critical observational skills to determine competency. Well developed analytic skills with an ability to provide recommendations and/or determine a plan of action. Proficiency in computer skills, specifically, Microsoft Office, Canvas and ARISE software platforms, Google applications, and instructional presentation methods including PowerPoint and video presentations.


At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.


We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.



All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.



The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.



L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.

Note:

This opportunity will be available until midnight July 7, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.