Global Institute for Food Security – Laboratory (Research) Technician I

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food.  This is a bold vision, one that we will strive to achieve through investing in our talent. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners, and stakeholders to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.

We are guided by our Values of: Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Laboratory Technician, Engineering Biology is responsible for performing routine high-throughput engineering biology workflows, using manual and automated techniques.

NATURE OF WORK

Reporting to the Platform Lead, Engineering Biology, the Laboratory Technician I is responsible for executing and helping to develop laboratory protocols and procedures using manual and automated techniques. The Laboratory Technician I is familiar with the theory behind and has some experience with techniques utilized in a modern biotechnology facility, including general microbiology, DNA assembly/cloning, nucleic acid extraction and quality control, protein purification, metabolite extraction, and enzymatic assays. Occasionally there may be a requirement to work outside of standard hours. The majority of the employee’s time will be spent on-site in the laboratory.

You are part of the GIFS team, and your work is highly interconnected with other programs and platforms within GIFS. Day-to-day priority and scheduling decisions are made under the direction of the Engineering Platform Lead, who will provide a clear schedule for all work. Work volume is high with a degree of judgement required for day-to-day technical decision making. The impact of error is high as it could result in reputational damage, significant losses in time, or replacement of materials and supplies.

Your work occurs in a laboratory outfitted with cutting edge equipment, where there is continuous change and growth, with shifting and competing priorities. Key characteristics of the role include a strong commitment to safety, and exemplification of GIFS values. You will be part of a team that fosters a work atmosphere that is collaborative, open, positive, supportive, responsive, and transparent.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Works closely with team members to execute engineering biology projects and services.
• Performs laboratory techniques including DNA assembly, bacteria and yeast transformation and culturing, nucleic acid extraction and quality control (QC), protein purification, and enzymatic assays.
• Operates and maintains automated laboratory equipment including various liquid handling systems, colony pickers, plate readers, incubators, sealers, peelers, and bioreactors.
• Follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contributes to their development.
• Uses a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to keep laboratory inventory up to date and track experiment progress.
• Prepares media, buffers, and other reagents as needed, in support of the Engineering Biology team.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly working environment in the lab.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Biotechnology Diploma or BSc with at least 2 years' experience in a molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related laboratory (i.e. thesis, co-op, or industry experience).
• At least 1 year’s experience with DNA assembly techniques (PCR, restriction enzymes, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly) or protein biochemistry (protein purification, Bradford assay, enzyme kinetics).
• Experience with automated laboratory equipment, fermentation/bioreactors, analytical equipment (i.e., HPLC, LCMS, MS), high-throughput screening, or related data are considered assets.
• Standard First Aid & CPR, and other safety certifications, are considered assets.

SKILLS 

Proven ability to work effectively in a team-based environment is critical; excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytic, and problem-solving skills; proficiency with MS Office applications (particularly Word and Excel); highly motivated and organized; and demonstrated ability to illustrate leadership and contribute to building an empowered team. The following are required for success in this position:

• Leads by example.
• Sound judgment, discretion, tact, diplomacy, and professional integrity, coupled with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Effective organizational skills and the acumen to handle complex situations and manage multiple objectives with competing deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain the level of professional relationships that support exceptional collaboration within GIFS.
• Ability to identify issues and collaborate to develop and implement innovative and outcomes-oriented solutions.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and report information with fastidious attention to detail.
• Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on the company’s success.
• Demonstrated adherence to laboratory SOPs and analytical skills including problem solving, troubleshooting, and recommending solutions.
• Passionate about learning new technologies and creating innovative solutions.

Department: Global Inst for Food Security
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Not Applicable
Posted Date: 5/23/2024
Closing Date: 6/20/2024
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable