Germ Free Neutral Processing Technician, Physiology & Pharmacology

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Position Overview

The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Germ Free Neutral Processing Technician. This Fixed Term Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the International Microbiome Centre (IMC) Technical Manager. 

Germ-Free Neutral Processing Technician perform routine tasks of moderate complexity in support of animal husbandry for all areas of the IMC germ-free facility. Successful performance requires strictly following standard operating procedures and safety standards. 

This is a recurring part-time position with work hours that may include evenings, some regular work hours and weekends. Recurring part-time employees are hourly employees engaged to perform work on an irregular schedule. 

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• 'Under general supervision & direction of the IMC Technical Manager and Director(s), develop and implement techniques and procedures within the guidelines of the research
• Standard laboratory technique, including:
  • Autoclave sterilization of various materials
  • Provides basic husbandry of animals under direction of Germ-Free Facility Director or Supervisors
  • Preparation and occasionally importation into isolators of materials required for experimental procedures
• Standard preparation for supplies, including:
  • Preparation of supply drums for autoclaving (food, bedding, water, supplies)
  • Occasionally connecting of drums to isolators
  • Keep all material stocks stocked and organized
  • Support research staff with import of research materials
• Potential Animal Husbandry, including:
  • Provide animal care for axenic, gnotobiotic and Level II pathogen animal models for all species of laboratory animals used in research, which includes feeding, watering and changing cages following strict germ-free and safety guidelines for prevention of exposure to microbes. Ensure adherence to the legal limit of maximal number of mice per cage according to cage type
  • Monitors and assesses general animal health for axenic, gnotobiotic and Level II pathogen animal models, and reports problems to the Germ-free Director or Supervisors
  • Record keeping both manual and computer based for consistency in animal health, effective use of animal models and reporting to facility management
  • Sterile import of supplies into isolators including sterilization of connecting sleeves
  • Responsible for operation and up-keep of equipment such as but not limited to isolators, laminar flow cabinets, ventilated caging systems, autoclave, spray gun, hydrolic lifts, anaesthetic delivery systems and ventilators, biosafety cabinets, under safety guidelines. Advises supervisor of any equipment problems that require maintenance or repair
  • Monitoring and maintaining of the climate parameters within the animal rooms
• Hygiene Responsibilities: Applies, monitors and ensures the hygiene concept
• Reporting responsibilities: Data entry and digital records for but not limited to animal husbandry, procedures and microbiology
• General, safety, housekeeping duties, including:
  • Custodial duties to maintain facility sanitation procedures (bottle washing, cage cleaning preparation, cleaning and decontamination of connection sleeves, cleaning of the rooms and floors, cleaning of showers, cleaning and autoclaving barrier shoes, preparation of barrier clothing and gear, cleaning of drums and sterilization trays, proper waste disposal, send and receive scrubs and gowns to and from washing service, receiving of goods and materials, etc)
  • Regularly clean equipment including but not limited to BSCs, ISOCage Racks and Blowers, Autoclave Drums and Isolators
  • Interacts with facility users in a pleasant and respectful manner
  • Ensures that work complies with animal, facility and good laboratory standards and demonstrates reliable and safe operation of all laboratory equipment

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Preference will be given to anyone with a Bachelor or Technical Degree in a scientific field
• Experience working with animal research, sterilization or quality control would be considered an asset
• Work experience may include but is not limited to Animal Research Facility, Veterinary Clinic, Laboratory Environment, Production or Manufacturing
• In-depth knowledge of theory, procedures and skills in areas of specialized husbandry, aseptic lab technique and sterilization methods are an asset
• Attention to detail is crucial in following procedures and standard operating procedures
• Ability to keep accurate and detailed records
• High degree of analytical skills is required for carrying out technical procedures with a high impact of error
• Must be open to learning and development and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
• Demonstrate strong communication (in person, on the phone and email), team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines
• Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable
• A positive attitude and the ability to work independently and as part of a team is critical to success
• WHMIS

Application Deadline:  January 24, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase I.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine .

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.