Research Assistant/Technician 3

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 3

Department

Research | Jefferies | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$3,982.67 - $4,703.83 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

December 17, 2021

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Jan 9, 2023

This position is intended to be filled at 0.80 FTE.

Job Summary

This lab-based position is a great opportunity to contribute to innovative vaccine research that will help validate vaccine candidates for clinical development. This position requires thorough knowledge of and experience working with mice including animals exposed to hazardous and bio-hazardous agents, and radioactive compounds. Due to the work involving the use of potentially hazardous material, the use of personal protective equipment, annual TB testing, and adherence to strict safety protocols is expected.

Organizational Status

Reports directly to the Principle Investigator, Dr. Wilfred Jefferies. Works with Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Technicians on their existing projects.

Work Performed

- Performs animal surgeries, including stereotaxic surgeries on rodents.

- Genotypes animals.

- Plans and performs experiments, utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), qPCR, and other basic molecular biology techniques. Troubleshoots problems; collects, records, analyses and interprets experiment results.

• Performs basic tissue culture, which involves isolation of and culture of primary cells from mice.

- Maintains a clean and orderly working environment in the lab.

- Carries out basic lab tasks including pipetting, cleaning glassware, cleaning surfaces, taking inventories of consumables and stocks.

- Sets up, tests, operates and maintains common laboratory and other equipment.

- Assists in maintaining animal colonies, and colony database.

• Organizes and maintains detailed documentation of work and reports results to the supervisor and members of the lab.

- Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Attention to detail and exercising judgement is required. Improperly conducted procedures may warrant the repetition of experiments affecting the timeline of the research project. Judgment must be exercised to alleviate any potential for pain or suffering by the animals. Provision of the necessary elements to make the animal environment as enriched and comfortable as possible. The supervisor and/or facility manager oversees work; incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/or disruption or ruination of a research study.

Supervision Received

Regularly meets with the supervisor to discuss progress and next duties to be performed. Works closely with members of the lab involved in the assigned project . Senior lab members will supervise experimental surgeries.

Supervision Given
None.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

BSc in molecular biology or related discipline preferred, one year’s experience with stereotaxic surgical techniques, experience working with and handling animals, working within parameters of ethics protocols at all times. Certifications in animal handling, anesthesia and/surgical techniques preferred, and/or chemical safety certifications. Experience and/or working knowledge of husbandry and genotyping. Must be physically able to operate equipment (standing, sitting). Effective communication skills and ability to work with well others. Must be self-motivated and take initiative to perform work when supervisors are not present. Must have: a willingness to learn; basic computer skills; the ability to communicate effectively; the ability to work within a multicultural environment; an interest in science and excellent record keeping skills.