Description

The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Laboratory Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the research laboratory technician is to perform skilled and semi-skilled laboratory procedures involving small animal (mouse) work, tissue culture, histology work, and some molecular biology work. These tasks range from routine to moderate complexity and will include but not necessarily be limited to mouse surgical procedures, mammalian cell culture, cryosectioning /histology, DNA/RNA isolation, and PCR. The position will also provide technical support for other team members through undertaking common laboratory tasks by carrying out experiments in a team setting, preparing common buffers, maintaining an organized and safe laboratory environment, and assisting with lab ordering.

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

• Perform small animal surgical procedures (such as in vivo electroporation, cell xenografting)
• Establish and maintain mammalian tissue cultures
• Prepare media for mammalian cell culture
• Perform histology work (sectioning, some staining)
• Isolate DNA/RNA/protein from tissues and cells
• Prepare basic laboratory stock solutions (e.g. buffers, staining dyes, fixative solutions, antibiotic stocks etc.)
• Train other staff and students in the operation of equipment and laboratory protocols
• Provide technical support for other team members
• Understand safety codes and standards, and maintain lab compliance
• Keep laboratory and work area clean and safe
• Operate and maintain basic technical equipment
• Lab ordering of supplies
• Under general supervision & direction of the PI, assist with original experiments within the guidelines of the research
• Maintain clear and well-documented records of research work

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Science in biology/biochemistry/molecular biology or related discipline required with a Masters degree (or beyond) in Science preferred
• Minimum 3 years experience working in techniques involving molecular biology, mouse work, and tissue culture
• Must be open to learning and development, and be have a positive attitude toward new challenges and assignments
• Must be open to working with mice, and with human tissues/cell lines
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication, written skills, organizational skills, and record-keeping are required
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)