Laboratory Technician

Date Posted: 02/16/2024
Req ID: 36066
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Biological Sciences
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Position Number: 00056194

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) pursues detailed knowledge of the natural world, effective management of natural resources, novel technologies and medical techniques. The department of Biological Sciences is comprised of faculty who are innovative researchers and engaging teachers that make important contributions to society. The Department fosters research and teaching partnerships, along with Co-op programs to create exciting opportunities for hands-on learning and outstanding scholarship at the vibrant, diverse and expanding campus that is UTSC.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence ). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity:

The Laboratory Technician will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christina Guzzo, Professor of Virology in the Department of Biological Sciences, and will provide research and administrative support to the Guzzo lab. The Guzzo lab was established in 2017, and is a research-intensive laboratory studying host-pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on developing and utilizing cutting-edge virology and immunology techniques to study virus particles. The Guzzo lab has niche expertise in studying the profile of surface proteins present on HIV viruses, and how these proteins can impact virus infection.

The Laboratory Technician will be the first point of contact for the lab, with a central role to ensure smooth lab operations. The Laboratory Technician will order and maintain lab supplies, and follow established lab rules, processes and standards when carrying out assigned responsibilities. This position will provide technical assistance to other lab members to accelerate their research by performing routine experiments with cell and virus culture and molecular biology techniques.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Applying established standards when preparing routine samples for research projects and/or experiments
• Collecting experimental data, verifying results and passing on findings
• Paying close attention to occupational safety and biosafety precautions
• Applying established standards when cleaning lab, rooms and equipment
• Documenting and maintaining standard operating procedures and updating laboratory manuals
• Informing appropriate contacts when laboratory equipment needs to be repaired or replaced
• Ordering supplies with approval
• Providing orientation to others on work procedures and safety practices

Essential Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Immunology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology including coursework in Immunology and Virology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in preparing routine samples for research projects/experiments and preparing equipment for routine laboratory experiments/assays.
• Proven expertise with mammalian cell culture assays.
• Experience with various molecular biology assays, including: western blotting, ELISA and qPCR.
• Experience compiling data and statistical analysis for publication.
• Experience applying laboratory safety, biosafety, decontamination and protocol procedures.
• Experience in the maintenance of a laboratory and laboratory equipment.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Must be service-oriented, have strong attention to detail, have excellent organization skills and be able to work independently.
• Must be efficient, possess excellent communication skills (oral and written) and be able to keep accurate records.
• Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience with phlebotomy and/or blood processing for immune cell isolations would be asset.
• Experience with T cell and macrophage cell cultures would be an asset.
• Experience with virus culture and viral infection (titration) assays would be an asset.
• Experience with flow cytometry and/or software analyses (e.g. FlowJo) would be an asset.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Honest
• Organized
• Resourceful
• Self-directed
• Team player

Notes:

• This is a one (1) year term  position.
• A copy of the full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office . 

Closing Date: 03/04/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 06 -- $54,635 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $69,868. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching
Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.