Job Description

Position Overview The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension. This position will be part of an interdisciplinary research project that uses wastewater to track the epidemiology of COVID-19 infection rates (and other viral pathogens) in Calgary and select communities throughout Alberta (https://research.ucalgary.ca/acwa/research/research-projects/covid-19-wastewater-testing). You will work together with researchers in the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the main and Foothills campuses, and at the University\'s Advancing Canadian Water Assets (ACWA) facility in SE Calgary, that is part of the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment plant. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, this position is for a candidate who will assist with the extraction and molecular analysis of nucleic assays from wastewater samples collected from various municipalities across Alberta and within Calgary for different viral targets. This work will be based on existing and well-established standard protocols and will be performed under the supervision of a Research Associate. One of the key functions of this role is to participate in and ensure that the entire wastewater sample clean up and concentrating steps are done as carefully and precisely as possible so that the extracted RNA is in a condition suitable for downstream molecular analysis. At times the candidate will need to be available/flexible to work from ACWA or at main campus and commute between both locations. Clear communication, planning, and ongoing collaboration with the project team members will be an important part of this role Position Description Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Assisting with wastewater sample custody records, sample preparation for cleanup and processing
• Assisting in lab and equipment cleanup and decontamination
• Performing routine microbiological tasks and RNA extraction from wastewater samples
• Performing routine molecular analysis (PCR, qPCR, dPCR)
• Assisting with NGS library preparation and library QC
• Assisting research team members with tracking of inventory of stored samples and sample disposal
• Maintain adequate inventory and supply of consumables
• Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data, experimental procedures and results
• Meet with the research team weekly for project update meetings
• Understanding of standard operating procedures of the equipment used in experimental protocols
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work area
• Will need to successfully complete the following training courses: WHMIS, Laboratory Safety, Biosafety, Spill Response, ACWA specific site safety training

Qualifications / Requirements:

• The ideal candidate should have a BSc or MSc in Microbiology or Molecular Biology
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a microbiology and/or molecular biology laboratory
• Experience using molecular assays such as PCR, qPCR, dPCR
• Experience with NGS library preparation and QC is an asset
• A very good understanding of aseptic technique and molecular biology techniques
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to overcome the \'yuck\' factor working with wastewater
• Commitment to safety and safe work practices
• Detail-oriented, diligent, and focused on data quality
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders (including technical and research staff)
• Motivated to work in a team as well as work independently
• Ability to prioritize workload, tasks, assignments and responsibilities and is able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously
• A driver\'s license and a way to drive to ACWA (no public transit access)
• Available to work a flexible and changing schedule
• Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, and good judgment.
• Knowledge of WHMIS

Application Deadline: January 11, 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 1. 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. 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.