Description
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Research Lab Assistant. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator. However, they will be expected to work collaboratively with other research personnel including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This position will support research primarily focused on pluripotent stem cell modeling, cell reprogramming, and regenerative medicine.
The position may be physically demanding due to periods of standing and frequent repetitive tasks as well as the need to handle frozen and fresh animal specimens. Work can be repetitive in nature with exposure to biohazardous materials and ability to work in a research environment where animal and human tissue samples are prominent. This position is located at the Foothills Campus.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Collect research materials as required in the laboratory and assist research projects and general laboratory maintenance
- Specific activities include isolation of human and animal pluripotent stem cell maintenance, differentiation and reprogramming. Experiments may also require transplantation of isolated stem cells using assays
- Willingness to learn new techniques such as flow cytometry/FACS, cell culture, transplantation, cell transfection
- General maintenance of laboratory equipment, reporting any malfunctioning laboratory equipment or depleted consumable laboratory supplies to Primary Investigator
- Identify problems and recommended solutions to the Primary Investigator
- Monitor vacuum lines, gas supplies, filters and liquid nitrogen supplies in the lab
- Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
- Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance
- Will contribute to the establishment/development of SOP, MSDS and ensure they are adhered to by self and all laboratory users such as students, faculty, external clients and researchers
- Other integral duties may also include preparing standard chemical solutions and reagents, proper disposal of chemical waste, maintaining the laboratory to conform to safety standards, and the continuous and safe operation of lab instruments
- May be involved in additional research projects, as required and when time is available
- Actively participate in weekly lab meetings if scheduling permits
- Fosters a positive and productive work environment
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A BSc in biology, biochemistry or related field is required; advanced education and training, including experience in a research environment is considered an asset
- Previous experience using techniques in molecular biology (DNA/RNA collection, RT-PCR, plasmid preparation) is desirable
- Moderate knowledge level of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and or Adobe Illustrator is required
- Strong organizational skills are essential for this position
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to facilitate interaction with faculty, graduate students, and staff (fluency in English is necessary)
- Ability to work independently as well as demonstrated teamwork skills, strong organizational, management, and excellent interpersonal skills is critical to success in the role
- Expected to be innovative and to share ideas and suggestions with Primary Investigator and other members of the lab
Application Deadline: July 30, 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.