Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Clinical Neurosciences in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The Research Associates primary purpose is to be responsible for the management, maintenance, or control of a specialized area. This may include providing guidance to other lab staff, managing the laboratory and research projects as well as ensuring that as technologies change, the laboratory adapts to and learns the new technologies. The incumbent may support other research projects by providing knowledge, skills, and on-the-job training to others. This position works closely with the Principal Investigator in areas of protocol development, standard operating protocol development, development of research projects and proposals, contribute to and assist in submitting research grants proposals.

The position at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute will involve design, construction and use of custom fluorescence spectrometer apparatus for measurement of biological samples, as well as maintenance and calibration of a suite of confocal and 2-photon microscopes. As such, experience with optics, light sources (LEDs and lasers) and Labview programming for controlling and interfacing hardware is required. In addition, knowledge of design and construction of basic electronic circuitry would be an asset as would experience with machine learning. The successful candidate will use their experience and in depth knowledge for calibration and maintenance of various laser-scanning confocal and 2-photon microscopes, as well as training students and research personnel on proper use and image acquisition.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Design and construction of custom light sources, optics and interfacing with analytical fluorescence spectrometers
• Writing custom Labview code for instrument control and data acquisition
• Handling and measuring fluorescent biological samples with these custom instruments
• Processing and analyzing spectral data
• Instruction on proper use of confocal and 2-photon microscopes
• Occasional maintenance and calibration of various microscopes in the lab
• Responsible for calibration and maintenance of various laser-scanning confocal and 2-photon microscopes, as well as training students and research personnel on proper use and image acquisition
• Responsible for management, maintenance, or control of a specialized area
• Assist with plans and designs for specialized applications to meet the needs of operations, research, and services
• Responsible for presentations in producing figures for publication
• Produce initial drafts of manuscripts for publication and appropriate scientific journals
• Participate in the design and development of precision equipment and processes
• Recommend changes to methods, procedures, and practices within the lab
• Responsible for ordering as required

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors required; Msc or PHD in relevant discipline preferred (science or engineering)
• Minimum 3 years of hands on technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline (science or engineering)
• 3 to 5 years of related technical experience within the research speciality field
• Knowledge of design and construction of basic electronic circuitry would be an asset as would experience with machine learning.
• Ability to perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex technological systems
• Ability to provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
• Direct and demonstrable research experience in the subject matter of the research project is essential
• Perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex technological systems
• Recommend change to processes or procedures
• Interact with other members of the team and undertake literature reviews
• Provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
• Extensive knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures and techniques
• Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments.
• Understanding of safety codes and standards related to specialization
• Operate and maintain complex technical equipment

Application Deadline: July 7, 2023

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

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