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)

Application Deadline: August 26, 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.