Research Technologist

About Western

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.
 

About Us

Microbiology & Immunology is a vibrant Department of scholarly activity offering a stimulating and dynamic environment attractive to outstanding students and leading researchers. The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is a core department of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and places a special emphasis on biomedical research and teaching with a focus on human disease, infection, and immunity. 
 

Responsibilities

The Research Technologist will apply their advanced technical knowledge and skills to facilitate and perform a variety of complex procedures and experiments, and to support research functions within a laboratory under the direction of a Principal Investigator. The role will assist in various aspects of the research including providing guidance regarding the development, execution and analysis of research, and assisting with the achievement of the desired innovative outcomes associated with the research. The Research Technologist will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and calibrating equipment, completing upgrades, and providing training and hands-on technical expertise in regards to equipment in the laboratory. The role will supervise students, enforce laboratory protocols, and provide related expertise to ensure timely research and project outcomes are achieved. 

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Immunology, Biology, Health Sciences, or relevant discipline; Equivalent education and experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 5 years of working experience in a related research environment
• 2 years of working experience in a leadership role, training laboratory staff and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards 
• 2 years of working experience maintaining laboratory equipment
• Experience with human subject research ethics protocol compliance, including prior experience with submissions to the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
• Experience working with microscopes, tissue culture incubators, and biosafety level 2 cabinets is preferred 
• Experience with human cell culture, bacteria culture, DNA extractions for PCR, immunoassays, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescent microscopy preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles with the ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems
• Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Ability to collaborate internationally to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own uni.
• Knowledge of quality improvement concepts such as Six Sigma, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), Lean methodology, etc.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Ability to provide guidance on the proper and safe use of materials and equipment and to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users and with an ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the laboratory’s events and activities
• Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and with statistical software packages (such as Stata or R)
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach students to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the research team
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful, and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred
   

Western Values Diversity

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.

Please Note:

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


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