Technician

Primary Purpose: To provide support to research and teaching activities in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology.

Nature of Work: The laboratory technician will receive day-to-day supervision from the assigned faculty member. They will provide technical support for research within the assigned research laboratory. They will mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students in the relevant laboratory procedures. Assigned tasks require the application of technical knowledge and skills in microbiology research. The ability to follow directions with meticulous care, keep detailed notes and accurately record results in a timely manner is essential. The candidate will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, develop their skills and technical competencies in a broad range of relevant areas.

Assigned research laboratory: The technician will be supervised by Dr Maarten Voordouw who is the head of the ‘Tick & Lyme’ lab in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. Our research is focused on the ecology of the tick-borne spirochete bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi , which causes Lyme disease. For more information about our research interests visit our website: https://researchers.usask.ca/maarten-voordouw/index.php

Typical Duties/Accountabilities: To assist graduate and undergraduate students with their research projects. To mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory procedures. To manage a research laboratory including product purchasing, maintaining a clean and organized lab, maintenance of safety records in accordance with university and legal requirements. To develop and trouble shoot new laboratory procedures for the lab. To develop standard operating procedures (SOPs). Other duties include data entry, and the analysis and interpretation of results.

Qualifications

Education: Minimum BSc. Degree or technical diploma in the biological sciences.

Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of laboratory experience is required. Preference will be given to candidates possessing experience in laboratories working in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and ecology of infectious diseases.

Skills: The successful candidate will possess advanced skills and knowledge relevant to research in one of the following scientific fields: host-pathogen interactions, microbiology, immunology, and ecology of infectious diseases. The applicant will be self-motivated and possess excellent organizational skills. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to excellence in his or her work, strong interpersonal skills, and be able to work well independently or in a team. Our lab uses the following skills and techniques: microscopy, culture of bacteria, experimental infections of mice, DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, sequencing, ELISA, Western Blots, production of recombinant proteins, phylogenetics, bioinformatics, and statistics. Candidates that have a subset of these skills or techniques are encouraged to apply. Previous experience mentoring students is helpful. Solid computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office software are required.

Application requirements

Please submit: (1) a 1-2-page cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and (2) your CV. The application deadline is 15 February 2022 (or until the position is filled).

This position is in scope of CUPE1975.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Maarten Voordouw. My email address is [email protected] . My work phone number is 306-966-7245.

Department: Vet Microbiology
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.5
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $27.35 - 36.86 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Applied Scientific Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5
Posted Date: 1/19/2022
Closing Date: 
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: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University of Saskatchewan has instated a number of health and safety requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 4, 2022, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is a condition of employment and proof of vaccination will be required. The University will consider accommodations requests for individuals in accordance with the requirements of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.