Description
The Department of Oncology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Laboratory Technician. 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.
The primary purpose of the research laboratory technician is to perform skilled and semi-skilled laboratory procedures required for molecular biology research and next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tasks are routine with moderate complexity and will include but not necessarily be limited to mammalian cell culture, western blot analysis, PCR analysis, primary samples processing and sorting, NGS library preparation and DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing. The position will provide technical support for other team members through undertaking common laboratory tasks by carrying out experiments in a team setting and maintaining an organized laboratory environment.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Isolation of DNA/RNA from clinical samples and cell lines
- Construction of NGS libraries (perform quality control, carrying out titrations)
- Perform DNA/RNA sequencing
- Preparation of knock-out cell lines using CRISPR genome editing technology
- Conducting molecular biology analyses using western blotting and PCR analysis
- Establishing and maintaining mammalian tissue cultures
- Preparing media for mammalian cell culture, establishing and maintaining cell cultures
- Preparing basic laboratory stock solutions (e.g. TE, TBS, PBS, ethanol solutions, SDS-PAGE sample and running buffers, agarose gel loading dyes, paraformaldehyde, antibiotic stocks etc.)
- Maintaining clear and well-documented reports of all research experiments
- Keeping common areas and 'clean' areas (e.g. mammalian tissue culture hoods and incubators) tidy and clean
- Autoclaving glassware, solutions, laboratory reagents and items for tissue culture and molecular biology
- Ordering and maintaining lab stocks/reagents/equipment (including communicating with vendors and personnel from supply chain management when necessary)
- Maintaining laboratory inventory databases on PC and Mac computers (using Excel and/or Filemaker)
- Performing other duties as assigned by the PI
- Under general supervision & direction of the PI, develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in science in biochemistry/molecular biology required with a Master degree in Science preferred
- Minimum 3 years experience working in areas such as molecular biology, gene sequencing and genotyping
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in performing mammalian tissue culture procedures and molecular biology research procedures is required
- Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent communication, written and organizational skills
- Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures
- Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
- WHIMIS certification
Application Deadline: August 15, 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.