Job Description

Position Overview The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate. This Part-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension. The Research Associate reports to the Primary Investigator and receives direction from the Primary Investigator for the laboratory. This position exists to support research projects in the area of validating oral lead vaccines against chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal and expanding prion disease of cervids (deer, elk, moose). The Research Associate will prepare vaccines for oral application, by co-encapsulating recombinant immunogens and adjuvants into nanospheres, to produce oral nanovaccines. The Research Associate will standardize and validate vaccine preparation steps, test the biophysical properties, environmental stability and efficient immunogen delivery in in vivo models. This position is located at the Foothills Campus. Occasionally, the requirement for work at the Spy Hill Campus may arise. Work is of varying complexity, with peak periods and short time lines for completion.
Position Description Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Performs research experiments in accordance with the Principal Investigator
• Supports students and other lab personnel to become acquainted with experimental procedures
• Works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols
• Advises the Principal Investigator of any incident or occupational illness as outlined in University of Calgary Safety and Security protocols
• Integral duties include proper disposal of chemical or infectious waste, maintaining the laboratory to conform to safety standards, and the continuous and safe operation of lab instruments
• Performs general maintenance on laboratory equipment
• Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance
• Identifies problems and provides recommendation to the Primary Investigator
• Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
• Actively participates in weekly lab meetings and journal clubs
• May be involved in additional research projects, as required and when time is available

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A PhD in bioanalytical and nanomaterial chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or related fields, with at least 5 years of experience in nanotechnology is required
• Working in the areas of nanotechnology, formulation and interfacial science, bioanalytical chemistry, or chemical engineering in academia or industry as a postdoctoral fellow is an asset
• Strong knowledge and hands-on research experience in nanoscience, bioassay, confocal microscopy and dielectric spectroscopy, and/or building probes for disease diagnosis is required
• Possessing WHMIS, bio-safety level 1 & 2 and animal training is desirable, or a willingness to become certified is required
• Knowledge of Microsoft office, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Image J would be considered an asset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to facilitate interaction with faculty, graduate students, and staff
• Ability to work independently as well as demonstrated teamwork skills, strong organizational, management, and excellent interpersonal skills is critical to success in the role

Application Deadline: March 1, 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 II. To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. About the University of Calgary The University of Calgary is Canada\'s leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation\'s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada\'s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca). We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.