Job Description

Position Information

Position Title

Research Technician

Department/Unit

Microbiology & Immunology

Research Project

Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Female Genital Tract

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

GP96-25

Employee Group

Grant-Paid (PSAC local 86001)

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

1 year with possibility of extension

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$44,880 to $56,814 per annum

About the Organization

This research group investigates bacterial colonization of the female genital tract, with a specific focus on how vaginal microbiota influence infection by sexually transmitted pathogens, including syphilis. The project relevant to this posting will investigate how beneficial and dysbiotic vaginal bacteria influence colonization dynamics of bacterial pathogens using in vitro models and integrating mammalian cell culture, anaerobic microbiology, molecular biology and cell biology techniques.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will be responsible for routine sterile culturing of established mammalian cell lines and sterile cultivation of anaerobic bacteria. This will include long-term in vitro cultivation of bacteria with eukaryotic cells. The successful candidate will conduct infection assays with cultured bacteria and human cell lines and will investigate outcomes using microbiological, molecular biology and cell biology methods as well as fluorescence microscopy of fixed and live cells. The successful candidate will also provide routine and non-routine technical support to the research team, and be responsible for some aspects of lab management, including inventory, safety protocols, onboarding of new lab members, and equipment maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

Perform routine mammalian cell culture, including media preparation, cell seeding, and maintenance for experiments. Cultivate fastidious anaerobic bacteria and manage co-cultures with mammalian cells; maintain anaerobic chamber and monitor gas systems. Apply molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, and RT-PCR to analyse bacterial abundance and gene expression. Maintain accurate records of all experimental work and contribute to lab meetings and data analysis discussions. Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in safety, technical skills, experimental design, and data interpretation. Oversee laboratory inventory and safety compliance, including equipment, consumables, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Microbiology, or in a relevant field. Research experience, as demonstrated through completion of co-op work-terms, an honours project and/or graduate research project, or equivalent. Research or employment experience in mammalian cell culture, bacterial cultivation and molecular biology techniques (quantitative PCR, reverse transcription PCR). Strong analytical skills to rigorously and reliably carry out technical procedures. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, including supervising students.

Assets

Experience with anaerobic microbiology. Master's degree in Microbiology or a relevant field.

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.



We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed

here

.


Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

12/04/2025

Close Date

12/19/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/20017