The Department of Critical Care Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

This position is highly specialized in the microscopy imaging field and leukocyte biology and requires knowledge of experimental design and interpretation of results. It is very common for multiple projects to be executed simultaneously. This position is responsible for the maintenance, breeding and genotyping of a murine colony and requires strong understanding of genetics.

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

• Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, it is mandatory that projects be completed in a timely fashion and within strict budget constraints
• It is the responsibility of the individual in this position to gather and present raw data to the supervisor
• This position demands the employee meet the needs associated with continuously changing conditions and timelines that are associated with the research environment
• This employee establishes and mandates policy and procedure within the laboratory then communicates them effectively to other lab members to maintain laboratory objectives
• This employee works independently with the Supervisor providing regular feedback for development
• Produce and genotype mice within the colony in an accurate and timely fashion to prevent costly delays in experiments which will subsequently delay results and publications
• Crucial to establish positive rapport with Animal Resources Centre staff & veterinarians to allow smooth process of animal imports, applications & amendments for animal protocols, and daily care and maintenance of the colony
• Effective communication is required to develop positive relationships with Campus support units including legal and purchasing departments
• Develop and build good relationships with vendors and suppliers to promote competitive pricing and prompt delivery of the high supply volume required to maintain a large research laboratory
• Responsible for execution of advanced in vivo and in vitro murine experiments utilizing sophisticated methods of microscopic imaging
• Data acquisition and data analysis using software such as Volocity and ImageJ for presentation to the supervisor
• Accountable for maintaining continuity of highly specific and unique critical laboratory techniques
• Provide training and guidance to other laboratory members by managing experimental procedures and design as it relates to the specialized field of leukocyte biology
• Primary resource and role model to fellow technicians and trainees in this specialized field
• Participate in authorship of scientific manuscripts eligible for publications in high impact scientific journals
• Function as an expert in Murine colony management and Murine models
• Responsible for managing and maintaining all activities associated with Animal Protocols
• Responsible for managing and maintaining all activities associated with the import and export of novel murine models

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors degree required preferably in cellular, molecular or microbial biology- Minimum 2 years experience
• Experience with murine models of animal surgeries including but not limited to anaesthesiology, microvascular cannulation and injection, tissue and organ dissection
• Experience with microbiology culture and cell culture
• Experience in tissue preparations, tissue staining and immunohistochemistry
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Must demonstrate leadership within the laboratory and have exceptional communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Must possess strong aptitude in using computer software for analysis of data
• Knowledgeable in Cellular immunology, Tissue immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular biology
• Must have strong ability to trouble shoot and problem solve
• Must have a very strong work ethic
• Eligible for Animal Care and Use Certification
• Must have strong knowledge and understanding of genetics and techniques for genotyping
• Strong knowledge and proficiency of PeopleSoft & Supply Chain Management procedures