Description

The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Research Manager in the Prescott Lab, the hire will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab and will contribute to experiments. The position may also occasionally include independent research projects. Technical work involves behavior testing in animal models, various animal surgeries and procedures, cell cultures, colony management (including genotyping), and neuronal imaging (e.g. immunocytochemistry).

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

Technical

• Performs genotyping for mouse colony management
• Prepares and maintains cell cultures
• Performs animal behavior experiments
• Assists research team with various procedures, surgeries, behavior, imaging, model development, and analysis, as needed

Scientific

• Remains aware of latest techniques and theory developments relevant to the team's research projects
• Contributes to weekly lab meetings (discussions and presentations)
• Contributes to manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
• Maintains clear and well-documented notebooks
• Meets with Research Manager and Principal Investigator bi-weekly to provide updates and discuss directions

Lab Management

• Works closely with animal housing staff to oversee the management of the animal colony
• Monitors and discuss animal needs and usage in the lab
• Participates in meetings with relevant project teams in order to anticipate (and respond to) upcoming needs in animals, equipment, consumables
• Ensures team members adhere to training and regulatory compliance (health and safety, animal protocols and training, etc.) and keeps organized and up-to-date records of team members' training and certifications
• Maintains and renews all lab certifications and protocols as needed
• Maintains laboratory work areas clean and safe for self and for the team
• Trains, supervises, and provides feedback to lab members on laboratory rules and safety essentials
• Acts as a representative for the research group in matters related to occupational health, safety, or animal protocols
• Contributes to budget management by keeping records, monitoring expense reports, and reporting irregularities

Qualifications / Requirements:

• BSc in the area of Biology, preferably Neuroscience
• Minimum 3 years' experience with lab management is required
• Minimum 5 years' experience working with laboratory animals is required, with management of transgenic animal colonies (including genotyping) essential
• Experience with rodent behavioral testing is essential
• Skilled in a variety of animal surgeries and procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to multitask
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong drive to learn and expand knowledge
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly with Excel
• Knowledge of WHMIS
• Ability to interact collaboratively with other lab members, external collaborators, and as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes theoreticians and computer modelers
• Must be comfortable working in a diverse research team
• Good interpersonal skills and positive outlook are essential

Application Deadline: August 21, 2025

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.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy 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 Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.