Job Description

Description

The

Department of Physiology & Pharmacology

in the

Cumming School of Medicine

invites applications for a

Research Assistant

. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.


This position reports to the Principal Investigator.


The position will establish cell and slice cultures, performing electrophysiological recordings and performing signal analysis.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Establishing myelinating cultures Optimization methods for detecting myelin and cellular damage (Nile Red spectroscopy, IHC, etc) Study of human B cell conditioned media to assess toxicity Sterile technique in the handling of live primary cell cultures Primary neuronal cell culture protocols The work will involve dissection of the hippocampus from rat brains, preparation of primary neuronal cultures, and the maintenance of those cultures. Must have experience and be prepared to work with animals (rats and mice) Cultures will be interfaced with computers and activity recordings will be made (training provided for the interface). Must be proficient with imaging technology Basic lab maintenance Changing CO2 tanks, incubator maintenance, resupply lab stocks, solution preparation etc.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Graduate or MD degree in a relevant area, or a combination of education and experience in a related area Experience with Peoplesoft is strongly preferred Research or clinical lab experience required Must be familiar with Matlab, and have general computer skills Ability to perform anesthesia of animals Competence in animal (rodent) brain surgery Sterile technique in the handling of live primary cell cultures Ability to prepare life supporting media for cell culture Experience in monitoring the growth and health of cells Ability to set up and use the stimulation technology Ability to use and troubleshoot advanced microscope equipment Ability to use high speed optical capture systems A full set of computer skills, including large data management and coding in the Matlab platform Ability to assess the results of the experimental data, and modify the appropriate parameters accordingly

Application Deadline:

October 10, 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

Technical 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.