Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Position number: 33265
Date posted: July 24, 2026
Biochemical Technician - Tech 3 (AESES)
Existing Regular Continuing Full-Time (Budget Funded)
Work schedule:
35 Hours/week (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Salary:
$23.13 to $33.29 per hour ($42,096.60 to $60,587.80 per annum)
Expected Start Date
August 31, 2026
For more information please contact: Jacki Armstrong - [email protected]
MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION/TRAINING:
- Bachelor's Degree in a related study area, including laboratory analysis techniques.
OR
- Completion of a Community College course in a related discipline with one years = directly-related experience
OR
- High school completion with job-related options with a minimum of four years = directly-related experience.
EXPERIENCE:
- Prior knowledge in TEM-related techniques and use of a transmission-EM is required.
- Prior knowledge in histology-related techniques and use of advanced microscopy imaging techniques is required.
- Experience preparing tissue, cells, virus and/or nano-particles for TEM examination is required.
- Experience using a block trimmer, ultratome and TEM is required.
- Experience in using bright field and fluorescent microscopes and 3-dimensional imaging techniques is required.
- Experience in using specialized histology equipment for immunocytochemistry/ immunohistochemistry is required in preparedness for performing immuno-EM techniques, including knowledge of antibodies, fluorophores and reading datasheets is required.
- Detailed knowledge of tissue histology and the ability to identify specific tissues by their histological appearance is preferred.
- Previous experience in laboratory research work is mandatory.
- Previous experience in histology and immunohistochemistry/ immunofluorescence and/or in-situ hybridization activities is required.
- Experience in handling toxic and hazardous agents is required.
- Experience in using EPIC is preferred.
- WHMIS Certification is preferred.
- An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Previous experience in a research laboratory with microscopic imaging components, including TEM, is required.
- Excellent manual dexterity to perform the various tissue processing techniques is required.
- Experience with resin/epoxy embedding of sample material for sectioning is required.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully organize research work.
- Ability to collaborate with others of various levels of expertise.
- Ability to relate well to students and staff.
- Ability to give clear instructions to students, staff, and faculty.
- Must be exceptionally well organized and keep proper records.
- Knowledge of University of Manitoba systems and processes is preferred.
- Experience in training others in the laboratory setting is required.
- Experience in teaching students is required.
- Experience in culturing cells in preparation for image processing is required.
- Experience with different tissue staining methods with applications in UIP/ HIS is required.
- Experience with resin-embedded EM sample trimming, ultramicrotome use, sectioning with glass and diamond knives, and grid handling for the purpose of high-quality TEM specimen preparation is preferred.
- Knowledge of cellular ultrastructure and the ability to identify specific tissues by their histological appearance is preferred.
- A satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.
MICROSCOPY TECHNICIAN:
- Must be familiar with processing of specimens using reagents and equipment specifically required for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)-related imaging.
- Handle and prepare human and animal tissues, cultured cells, virus preparations, nano-particles, and other materials in preparation for EM procedures.
- Perform and improve immuno-EM techniques.
- Handle and prepare human and animal tissues or cultured cells for histological fixation.
- Perform different histological fixations, experience in embedding methods and in sectioning of paraffin blocks.
- Experience with various histological stains for specific tissues.
- Must have expertise in the use of advanced microscopy equipment.
- Must be familiar with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining techniques on tissues and cells.
- Must show practical experience in advanced imaging techniques, including regular and/or multiplex immunofluorescence imaging, laser confocal, SIM microscopy, tiling, and image analysis.
- Prepares and standardizes chemical solutions and prepares solutions/media and ensures supplies and media are maintained adequately.
- Routinely cleans glassware, instruments and maintains a safe working environment.
- Monitors equipment and does basic service and maintenance work on laboratory equipment, including balances, spectrophotometer, centrifuges, microscope. Arranges service with vendors when required.
- Assists in the preparation of instructions and documentation materials for training sessions on EM techniques to graduate students and participates in practical demonstration sessions at the EM instrument.
- Must be experienced in the use of statistical software analysis software and ideally sectional 3D rendering and immuno-EM image quantification software.
- Learn additional software tools as needed and stays updated on advanced software packages, including, and cryo-EM and histology related imaging software.
- Performs other related duties as required.
- Follows protocols, modifies protocols in consultation with UIP/ HIS director and staff.
- Establishes new protocols on request in HIS and UIP.
- Regularly reports to the immediate UIP/ HIS supervisor and to the director regarding all EM and histology imaging-related activities.
AS THE ULTRASTRUCTURAL IMAGING PLATFORM AND HISTOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER:
- Assists in preparing EM specimens and demonstrates practical EM procedures to trainees learning basic EM techniques.
- Assists in preparing histological specimens and demonstrates practical histology procedures to trainees learning basic histology techniques.
- Assists in demonstrating practical microscopy procedures and instructs students and imaging clients in the use of microscopes at the Anatomy imaging facility.
- Responsible for upholding a timely, effective, and documented report with clients.
- Maintains daily records of completed work. Prepares charges for the service work, sends out monthly statements to the various investigators and clients of UIP and HIS.
- Trains and certifies clients in the use of light microscopes and monitors the user logbook.
- Keeps records on past, present, and ongoing service work and regularly informs the director and staff.
- Participates in the preparation of public outreach events of the Ultrastructural Imaging platform and Histological Imaging Services.
- Responsible for the purchase of supplies for UIP and HIS. Keeps current records of all chemicals and other lab supplies.
- Monitors the use of imaging equipment by students, other technicians, and faculty members. Ensures proper procedures are followed and, if necessary, is authorized to enforce such procedures upon consultation with the UIP/ HIS director.
- Annually prepares and presents EM and HIS service work on offer to students, faculty and users outside of the University of Manitoba to promote use of the UIP and HIS facilities.
- Responsible for keeping abreast of new EM-related procedures, techniques, and technology. Maintains current files of manuals, catalogues, and literature of related EM and HIS equipment.
- Undertakes research and conducts experiments to solve specific or unusual problems and establish new methods at UIP/ HIS under the guidance of the director of UIP and HIS.
- Ensures lab safety. Looks after the biosafety tools in the lab, keeps reports and, if needed, orders new tools to comply with up-to-date biosafety regulations in the UIP and HIS.
- Responsible for ensuring that proper biosafety regulations are followed by students, faculty, and external users at the UIP and HIS.
- The incumbent provides regular reports to UIP/ HIS supervisor and director regarding all UIP- and HIS-related services and research-related activities.
- May be required to perform related duties not exceeding skills and capabilities as required.
The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.
