MTS Level 8 - Research Technician - Department Of Health Management - Atlantic Veterinary College

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) and the Department of Health Management are seeking a Research Technician to join their team! The Research Technician will coordinate and manage three CL2 laboratories and one CL1 laboratory. With a focus in working in the laboratory, the Research Technician will also at time collect field-based samples

What we offer:

• Comprehensive Health and Dental
• Post Retirement Benefits
• Tuition Waivers
• Health and Wellness on Campus available to staff
• Professional Development Opportunities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate and coordinate diverse activities and schedules for faculty, technicians, graduate students, summer students, and casual laborers
• Check and maintain workflows and assume responsibility as a primary person of contact for lab-related activities
• Provide technical assistance for research laboratory and field activities for the department of Health Management
• Maintain all biohazardous and chemical materials inventories in UPEI’s central inventory lists
• Coordinate and maintain Laboratory Containment Level 2 (CL2) certification, following guidelines for both Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
• Maintain an updated Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) portfolio and Pathogen Safety Data Sheet (PSDS) portfolio for all biologicals
• Assist researchers in preparing UPEI biosafety applications and other forms and permits as needed
• Conduct regular supply inventories and place orders when necessary as well as assist researchers in ordering their laboratory supplies
• Provide safety training to all personnel working in the lab and ensure that lab policies are being followed
• Maintain the lab quality control programs for service diagnostic testing including maintaining the laboratory’s USDA accreditation for Johne’s disease diagnostic testing
• Train laboratory users in the proper use of lab equipment
• Clean and carry out preventative maintenance on all instruments and equipment and arrange for repairs when necessary
• Develop, review and update standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for technical, administrative, and safety policies
• Review and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and other documents for technical accuracy
• Review literature and maintain up to date knowledge of scientific procedures relevant to the position
• Act as a liaison to internal and external persons and organizations regarding technical issues for research projects and/or diagnostic results
• Handle, restrain and collect animal samples (i.e. feces, blood, milk) from farm animals

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A successful candidate must have experience in maintaining and coordinating a CL2 laboratory and aiding, training, and providing oversight of other technicians and students working in the laboratory
• Laboratory skills that are required include performing standard microbiological culturing procedures for CL2 pathogens, bacterial identification using MALDI-TOF, bacterial MIC sensitivity testing using Sensititre ARIS HiQ, PCR, ELISA and other common laboratory assays
• Proficiency in data management and effective communication with UPEI staff, faculty and students as well as outside clients (producers and veterinarians) are required
• Minimum educational requirements include a Bachelor of Science in the field of animal science, biology, biotechnology or equivalent education and experience
• Evidence of academic research experience (MSc or similar relevant experience) is desired
• Evidence of working in and maintaining a CL2 laboratory and proficiency in working with and handling large domestic animals in the field are required
• Experience in the safe restraint of farm animals and sample collection (ie fecal, blood, and milk) from these species is required
• Knowledge of agricultural practices specifically related to the dairy industry is also required