This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The Department of Surgery has 15 divisions and offers programs in undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies. The department also includes many other research groups who contribute to cutting edge advancement in areas such as transplantation, joint preservation and regeneration and surgical simulation technology. Founded in 1922, the department has been a leader in its field, striving to achieve a balance between technology and the human element that defines the art of surgery. The overarching mission of the department is to restore health through surgical intervention, and to remember that patient dignity and comfort are integral to overall health. Further information on the department can be found at www.ualberta/ca/surgery.

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Laboratory Technician will use 3D-suspension culture methods to optimize beta-cell differentiation protocols and deliver scale-up of these endocrine cells.

Diabetes is a global health problem worldwide with a huge economic burden. Cell therapies, such as induced pluripotent stem cells could provide a replenishable source of beta cells. Optimized methods and scale-up strategies for human stem cell-derived beta cells could potentially translate this into clinical therapy.

Progressive deterioration of pancreatic beta cells is a hallmark of both type -1 and -2 diabetes. Stem cell therapy shows great promise and has a clear proof of concept to reverse diabetes, but with a limitation of production of sufficient tissue mass for transplant. More advanced methods could lead to scale-up and mass production of reliable stem cell-derived beta cells without off-target cells.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

• Routine cell culture: maintenance and differentiation of ESC/iPS cell cultures into pancreatic lineage cells. 60% (including data analysis).

• General lab duties such as maintenance of lab equipment, purchasing, inventory control, cleaning, preparing solutions, data collection and documentation.

• Basic cell biology techniques such as DNA/RNA purification, Q-PCR gene expression, Immunochemistry, protein analysis, Flow cytometry, and Immunoassay (ELISA) (including data analysis).

• Able to provide initiative, creativity, and thoughtful input and assistance in experimental optimization. Able to troubleshoot situations and coordinate efforts to work through experimental challenges.

• The person in this position works independently with minimal supervision, and will be required to work in a team environment.

• Some minor animal work with mice is required.

• A BSc degree in Bioscience related field or a related discipline preferred or a certificate in a technical college such as NAIT in biology, science or biotechnology.

• Computer proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.

• Strong analytical skills, organization skills and time management skills.

• One to two years of experience in a laboratory setting.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.