Description
The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a 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 and will plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities and operations of a the laboratory, including quality control. They will develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the scientific and technical work performed in the laboratory. They will also assign, coordinate and review the technical work of the laboratory or project teams. Additionally, they will be responsible for the overall management of the Calgary Liver Unit Biobank which will include sample deposition, retrieval, processing, storage and overall organization of various types of samples (blood, tissue, urine, etc.) for various research projects, as well as assisting with the administration and coordination of the biobank.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Responsible for management, maintenance, or control of a the laboratory and biobank
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Involved in day-to-day supervision of staff, monitoring, planning, and organizing activities of others
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Assist with plans and designs for specialized applications to meet the needs of operations, research, and services
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Perform the following experimental tasks:
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Animal Care
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Animal gavage
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Animal surgery
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DNA/RNA isolation from whole tissue +/- PCR or qPCR
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Immune cell isolation and antibody staining
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Flow Cytometry data acquisition and analysis
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Basic immunofluorescent histology sample prep and image acquisition
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Bacterial culture
- Budget involvement including developing reports, tracking expenses, and reconciliation of accounts
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Participate in the design and development of precision equipment and experimental procedures
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Recommend changes to methods, procedures, and practices within the lab
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Maintain the electronic sample tracking database
- Enter patient and sample data into Laboratory Information Systems or log sheets
- Organize and develop patient sample acquisition kits for various studies
- Sample acquisition and maintenance
- Labels all samples collected daily in accordance with departmental procedures
- Centrifuge and aliquots samples including those that require special handling
- Has an ability to work with infectious specimens (i.e. Hepatitis and HIV)
- Labeling, packaging and preparing samples for shipping and send-outs in accordance with SOPs
- Receives in-patient, out-patient and referred samples
- Ensure priority in collection and processing of samples
- Maintain storage facilities (i.e. freezer/fridge temperature, proper processing and handling techniques are followed)
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Assists in stocking, ordering and distributing supplies
- Under limited supervision and direction, develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Bachelors Degree (Science)
- Masters Degree (Science) ¿ preferred
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Minimum 2 years of technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline ¿ 3-5 preferred
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1 to 3 years of supervisory experience
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Experience or trained to perform the some/all of the following experimental task an asset:
- Animal Care
-
Animal gavage
-
Animal surgery
-
DNA/RNA isolation from whole tissue +/- PCR or qPCR
-
Immune cell isolation and antibody staining
-
Flow Cytometry data acquisition and analysis
-
Basic immunofluorescent histology sample prep and image acquisition
-
Bacterial culture
- Experience with sample management
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Ability to perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex procedures, experiments and technological systems
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Bachelors Degree (Science)
- Masters Degree (Science) ¿ preferred
-
Minimum 2 years of technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline ¿ 3-5 preferred
-
1 to 3 years of supervisory experience
-
Experience or trained to perform the some/all of the following experimental task an asset:
- Animal Care
-
Animal gavage
-
Animal surgery
-
DNA/RNA isolation from whole tissue +/- PCR or qPCR
-
Immune cell isolation and antibody staining
-
Flow Cytometry data acquisition and analysis
-
Basic immunofluorescent histology sample prep and image acquisition
-
Bacterial culture
- Experience with sample management
-
Ability to perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex procedures, experiments and technological systems
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Ability to provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
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Extensive knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures and techniques
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Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
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Ability to provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
-
Extensive knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures and techniques
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Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
Application Deadline: June 11, 2026
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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
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 ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
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.
