Description
The Technical Operations Group within the Faculty of Science is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Bio Autoclave Facility Technician for approximately 8 months.
The Bio Autoclave Facility Technician is an instrumental member of the Core Facilities and Services team, responsible for the operation of the Bio Autoclave Facility and Bio Stores satellite, including liquid nitrogen dispensing. The equipment supports both research and teaching operations by sterilizing laboratory equipment, media, and biohazardous waste, as well as cleaning laboratory glassware.
Excellent communication skills and a strong aptitude for customer service and safety is required for this position.
The Bio Autoclave Facility Technician ensures high-quality and efficient services are provided to Faculty of Science users, equipment is functioning optimally, and tested regularly, equipment repairs are identified and reported for repair immediately, supplies are readily available to users, new users are formally trained to understand and follow all safety protocols in the Autoclave Facility, and daily digital data logs are maintained, ensuring entry of all dry and liquid items and waste.
Further to maintaining autoclave equipment, the Bio Autoclave Facility Technician ensures communal equipment is maintained, tested, meets or exceeds test certification, and the room laboratory/facility is clean and well-organized. The Bio Autoclave Facility Technician is responsible for assisting in the distribution of received packages and mail through Supply Chain Management for the Faculty of Science.
Lastly, the position includes the safe distribution dispensing of liquid nitrogen, as well as ensuring the transport dewar that supplies liquid nitrogen is replenished, as needed, from Science Stores, while following the UCalgary EHS cryogenic handling standard.
This position requires strict attention to safety due to handling of biohazardous wastes and cryogenic materials, as well as strong interpersonal skills in dealing with various Faculty of Science personnel in a supporting role, SCM and other stakeholders.
This position reports to the Manager, Core Facilities and Services
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Bio Autoclave Facility and Stores Satellite:
- Daily operation of the Bio Autoclave facility during regular work hours, including customer service, maintaining equipment, identifying repairs and regular equipment maintenance, scheduling repairs to minimize downtime in the facility, ensuring data of dry/liquid/waste materials are properly documented, train new users to follow safety protocols and regular SOPs within the facility.
- Perform routine sterilization of laboratory glassware, equipment, media, and biohazard waste (roughly 500 cycles/month).
- Maintain a daily/weekly routine to ensure that autoclaves are tested and documentation of logbooks is followed in compliance with University Environmental Health and Safety standards.
- Clean glassware/supplies necessary for teaching and various research needs in Bioscience and other academic departments in the Faculty of Science, including rush requests for teaching laboratories.
- Ensure the Autoclave Facility is kept clean, well-organized and properly maintained.
- Assist with distribution of parcel and mail deliveries for the Faculty of Science.
- Receive goods safely, notify customers promptly, and maintain accurate records.
- Assist in the dispensing of liquid nitrogen to research laboratories, including ensuring the liquid nitrogen supply is maintained, while following EHS cryogenic handling standard.
- Track usage of liquid nitrogen and ensure monthly billing processes are completed.
- Liaise with Facilities, Distribution Services, Sub-zero, EHS and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and efficient operation of Bio Autoclave and Stores Facilities. Complete annual lab safety inspections, as per UCalgary EHS requirements.
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Other:
- Identify professional development needs, skill priorities, learning and training.
- Keep current with post-secondary developments.
- Adhere to all university policy and regulatory requirements, including FOIP legislation.
- Liaise with other units as appropriate.
- Participate in cross-training to assist in other areas when needed and to meet Core Facilities and Services priorities.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Diploma or degree in a related area an asset.
- High school education with successful completion of Biology 30 is required. A Sterile Processing Certificate is an asset.
- Experience working in a large, dynamic team with proven personal effectiveness and productivity is required.
- Basic knowledge of Chemistry and/or Biology required.
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills required.
- Proven organizational and time management skills, multitasking and high attention to detail required.
- Experience operating and maintaining critical equipment, such as autoclaves, glassware washing machines, steam kettles, and drying ovens is an asset.
- Experience working with cryogenic materials, including all safety handling, transport and dispensing protocols and PPE awareness.
- Demonstrated ability to be resourceful, creative, innovative, and flexible.
- Computer skills including MS Office Suite (including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel).
- Ability to build relationships to accomplish goals with diverse groups within and outside the Faculty of Science essential.
- Must have or be willing to obtain certification be prepared to obtain certification in WHMIS and Biosafety Program.
- Must have or be prepared to obtain Standard First Aid certification.
- Ability to lift and transport heavy objects regularly.
Occupational Health & Safety:
- Understands and complies with the requirements of the University's Occupational Health and Safety Policy
- Has knowledge of and understands the expectations of the University's Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) and applicable Faculty/Departmental/Unit specific health and safety policies and procedures
- Ensures that all work conducted is in accordance with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code and other health and safety legislation as applicable
Application Deadline: August 7, 2025
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.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy 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.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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 academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.