Research Technician - Genotyping

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

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.

To be leaders in the advancement of biomedical knowledge and its clinical application for the betterment of human health.

Responsibilities

The Research Technician provides technical support related to activities involving small animals related to husbandry, behavior, and molecular analysis. The role reports via regular meetings with Principal Investigators and other research staff to review ongoing activities, plan future activities, and anticipate future requirements with respect to project needs. The role is responsible for providing animal husbandry, performing behavioral tasks, collecting tissues, performing molecular analysis such as PCR and ELISA, as well as immunohistochemistry. The Research Technician will report any physical or behavioral abnormalities, and will complete and maintain documentation and records related to animal care and procedures ensuring that animals are cared for according to Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and American College of Veterinary Services (ACVS) guidelines. The Research Technician will perform all tasks, under the direction of their supervisor husbandry of mice, tissue collection, behavior and molecular analyses in adherence to relevant guidelines. The role will demonstrate sincere compassion for animals and will advocate for the welfare of animals under their care by promptly following up with animal care leadership regarding any environmental, experimental or health concerns.

Qualifications 

Education:

• 4-year university bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Medical Science, Biotechnology or other relevant disciplines

Experience:

• 1 year of experience working in a research-intensive laboratory environment working with genetically modified mouse lines
• Experience with rodent behavior
• Molecular biology/biochemistry experience such as PCR, qPCR, immunoblot, ELISA

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Knowledge of CCAC guidelines and policies of the Western Animal Use Subcommittee
• Knowledge of behavioural analysis in mice, familiarity with animal handling and animal “normals” for mouse species with the ability to recognize and report animal health issues
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Knowledge of associated risks in a research environment with the ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
• 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 employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities along with excellent organizational, prioritization, and verbal communication skills
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs; Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public with the ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to identify key results from research and to summarize and draft reports on research findings
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth.  Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre.  Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application.  In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications.  Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

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.


Learn more and Apply