Description

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Technician reports to the Primary Investigator as well as works collaboratively with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This position will support research in glia, pain, and neurodegeneration. The principal focus of the research program is to understand the fundamental processes involved in pain and neurodegeneration with the goal of discovering and developing new therapeutics.

The position will occasionally require irregular hours, depending on the research in progress. The research may involve exposure to biohazardous materials and requires the ability to work in a research environment where animal and human biological samples are present.

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

• This position will conduct studies aimed at understanding how immune cells (T-cells) and glial cells contribute to pain, opioid and benzodiazepine dependence, and other diseases of the nervous system. Responsibilities include generating and maintaining primary and cell line cultures, performing molecular biology and cell biology experiments, microscopy, tissue processing, and in vivo testing
• Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the primary responsibilities of this role are focused on conducting collaborative research aimed at understanding central and peripheral mechanisms of pain and opioid or benzodiazepine dependence including:
  • Cell culture and tissue processing for cellular, molecular, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses
  • Establishing and maintaining primary cell cultures and cell lines
  • Conducting behavioral testing, and document findings
  • Biochemistry methods
  • General lab management
• The incumbent works within established University research guidelines as well as research specific protocols
• Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
• Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance
• Assist graduate students and PI in preparing research data for grants, presentations or publication
• Other related duties as required

Qualifications / Requirements:

• An undergraduate BSc degree in the health sciences, including neuroscience, immunology, biochemistry, or related field
• The ability to work under indirect supervision with attention to detail, sound judgment, and good problem solving skills are important
• Excellent organizational skills combined with strong oral and written communication skills are required
• Experience with biostatisical analysis and scientific writing is required. Previous experience with rodent handling, basic laboratory techniques, and record keeping are necessary
• Experience in primary cell culture, cell lines, cell imaging, and immunohistochemistry, as well as biochemistry (Westerns) is required
• Experience with assessing animal pain behaviours, specific expertise in glial and T-cell isolation and culture, ELISA, tissue isolation, and knowledge of sex differences is required
• WHMIS and biosafety training and certification will be required

Application Deadline: July 30, 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.