The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Laboratory Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Laboratory Technician reports to and will receive direction from the Primary Investigator. However, the ability to work under indirect supervision to ensure the success of the research activities is fundamental. The assistant will also be expected to work collaboratively with other research personnel including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

The applicant is expected to be able to prioritize tasks, experiments and projects. Personal initiative to improve lab work and efficiencies are highly encouraged. The applicant is expected to plan ahead and manage own work schedule. This position will support research and routine laboratory diagnostics primarily focused on infectious diseases in production animals. Work is mainly performed in bio-safety level 2 environments.

This position exists to support research focused in veterinary microbiology, primarily study and characterize mycobacteriophages. In this research, methodologies will be used to detect, quantify and characterize replication of phages in bacteria.

The Laboratory Technician will be an integral member of the Johne's disease, digital dermatitis and mastitis research teams and will ensure proper protocols and procedures are being maintained and followed to ensure sample integrity and proper laboratory analysis.

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

• The position consists of associated tasks that are necessary on a regular basis and that include but are not limiting to laboratory analysis (DNA-based methods)
• Interacts with facility users in a pleasant and respectful manner
• Ensures at all times that work complies with good laboratory standards
• Keeps supervisor informed of activities and seeks problem solving assistance where required, as well as bringing forward suggestions for more efficient operation of the facility
• Receive and set up incoming samples
• Maintain storage facilities (i.e. freezer/fridge temperature, proper processing and handling techniques are followed)
• The incumbent may also have the opportunity (when time permits) to assist with additional research projects as they arise or with processing samples
• Reports any malfunctioning laboratory equipment or depleted consumable laboratory supplies to the Graduate Student or Primary Investigator
• Cooperate with and report to general lab manager of the joint labs
• Works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols
• Ensures the laboratory environment is safe for all stakeholders and is operated within established SOPs
• Will contribute to the establishment/development of SOP, MSDS and ensure they are adhered to by self and all laboratory users such as students, faculty, external clients and researchers
• Advise the Primary Investigator of any incident or occupational illness as outlined in University of Calgary Safety and Security protocols

Qualifications / Requirements:

• At least two years experience in a laboratory technician position is required with prior experience with bacteriological techniques (including culturing, DNA extraction and qPCR) and bacteriophage work. Experience with genetic manipulation of phages is desired and will be considered a bonus
• Biohazard certification (Training can be provided on site)
• WHIMIS certification (Training can be provided on site)
• Organized, responsible, and able to work independently
• Must exhibit dedication and a strong commitment to research ethics and following standardized protocols and detailed instructions regarding the collection, processing, analysis, and storage of biospecimens
• Demonstrated ability to function as a productive team member is also necessary
• Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills required
• Fluency in written and oral English required, strong communication skills to facilitate interaction with facilities users, and good attention to detail to ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint) is required
• Strong data recording skills are also required

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025