Laboratory Technician

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: Level O

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

Microbiology & Immunology is a vibrant Department of scholarly activity offering a stimulating and dynamic environment attractive to outstanding students and leading researchers. The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is a core department of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and places a special emphasis on biomedical research and teaching with a focus on human disease, infection, and immunity.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Technician is essential in providing an exceptional research and learning experience for undergraduate students and ensuring the strategic needs of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology are fulfilled. The role makes recommendations for, and assists with determining, the optimal protocols and equipment for use in the conduct of experiments, participates in the compilation, analysis and presentation of results for dissemination. Under the direction of the Laboratory Manager, and the Laboratory Course Coordinator(s), the Laboratory Technician is a key member of the Department providing effective and efficient management of the undergraduate teaching laboratories. The role ensures faculty members, Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA), and undergraduate students have the required information, training, documentation, and resources to ensure successful implementation of undergraduate teaching programs. The Laboratory Technician also works closely with the Laboratory Manager to ensure delivery of technical services to all members of the Department.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or relevant discipline required
• Master’s Degree preferred

Experience:

• 2 years of working experience in a related research environment
• Experience in a supervisory role providing training to laboratory staff and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards
• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and working with microscopes, tissue culture incubators, and biosafety level 2 cabinets
• Experience with human cell culture, bacteria culture, DNA extractions for PCR and cloning, immunoassays, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescent microscopy
• Experience with mouse handling is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles with the ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems
• Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Ability to collaborate internationally to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Ability to provide guidance on the proper and safe use of materials and equipment and to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users and with an ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the laboratory’s events and activities
• Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and with statistical software packages (such as JASP or R)
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach students to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the research team
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful, and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred
  

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Background Checks

While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory prior to any offer of employment.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.