Neuroscience Laboratory Technician

Date Posted: 03/11/2024
Req ID: 36463
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Cell and Systems Biology
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00053454

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity:

The Department of Cell & Systems Biology promotes research and teaching in some of the most dynamic and vital areas of biological research. We facilitate the pursuit of cutting-edge research in the molecular life sciences and systems biology, and embrace new methodologies and state-of-the-art technologies. If you’re an ambitious and innovative individual, consider a future with us. Located in downtown Toronto and part of the University of Toronto, one of the world’s top research universities, this department is an ideal place to work, research, and make a lasting impression in the field.

This position will serve to ensure that general laboratory activities and procedures are maintained so that neuroscience research can be achieved on a day-to-day basis. The Neuroscience Laboratory Technician will be responsible for maintaining mouse colonies, ordering supplies, ensuring that experimental materials are stocked, ordering supplies, interacting with undergraduate and graduate students and support research staff/students in neuroscience experiments.

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
• Applying established standards when determining material requirements for lab set up based on timetables and requisitions information
• Following rules and procedural instructions when restocking glassware in laboratories and/or store rooms and when mixing solutions used for experiments and cleaning
• Paying close attention to occupational safety precautions
• Ordering supplies with approval
• Providing orientation to others on work procedures and practices
• Maintaining inventory of experimental materials, workstations, chemicals and/or apparatus within the lab

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Genetics, Biology, Physiology or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, western blotting, preparation of buffers and standard media), neuroscience methods (e.g., preparing and handling viral vectors), microscopic techniques, including preparation of specimens for fluorescence confocal microscopy and maintaining mouse colonies (e.g., genotyping and mouse breeding).
• Experience working in a University Lab in Biology.
• Experience with computer software tools (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or Adobe Illustrator)
• Experience supporting University students on neuroscience experiments in the department of Cell & Systems Biology
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Self‐motivated with excellent problem solving and decision making skills.
• Excellent manual dexterity
• Ability to carefully document experimental and laboratory results
• Adaptable, conscientious and highly organized
• Shows good judgment and initiative
• Ability to learn new methods and software
• Ability to work both independently and as a team

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience working with sleep studies and mouse models is preferred
• Experience working at and knowledge with U of T Cell & Systems Biology Department is preferred.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Meticulous
• Organized
• Possess a positive attitude
• Team player

Closing Date: 03/19/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing
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.