Research Technician

Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: Level O

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded position.

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

The Robarts Research Institute within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University has made its mission to accelerate medical discovery. Through a powerful integration of basic and clinical research, we are driving major advances that impact on many of today's most devastating diseases.

The Research Technician will perform and record the results of experiments and techniques to assist with the research conducted in the laboratory focused on the contribution of Lipoprotein(a) to cardiovascular disease. The role will work in collaboration with other laboratory staff, postdoctoral fellows and students to assist them with their research projects and to ensure safety standards are met. The Research Technician will participate in the compilation, analysis and presentation of results for dissemination. The role will support research through assisting with the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and servicing of equipment and instrumentation.

Education:

• 4 year Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry or a related discipline

Experience:

• 2 years of laboratory experience in a research-intensive environment with experience conducting various techniques (such as western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, ELISA, qRT-PCR, mutagenesis, recombinant vector engineering including lentivirus)
• Experience with tissue processing and metabolic phenotyping, performing isolation of hepatocytes and macrophages, and conducting characterization of plasma lipoproteins

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices with excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office (including spreadsheet design) and with software analysis programs
• Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Verbal and written communication skills with an ability to document technical information
• Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations
• Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
• Ability to follow formal processes and protocols with high attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
• Ability to identify key results from research and to summarize and draft reports on research findings
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Ability to investigate issues and resolve problems
• Willingness to learn scientific techniques and follow protocols
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative and follow through on work assignments
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours to accommodate laboratory activities

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current police information record check(s) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.