Description
The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Technician. This Part-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 17 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position's work involves performing technical protocols in an environmental microbiology laboratory that are based on outlined procedures and guidelines and in collaboration with other research team members. The Technician will report to the Principal Investigator. The Technician will support a specific research project funded by NSERC in collaboration with another institute (NAIT) to investigate the biodegradation/biostability of polymers used for waste management. The position is part-time (half-time).
Results obtained from this work will contribute to progress reports and presentations related to the funded project. The work occurs in a team setting, which means that there is constant activity and interruptions can occur.
There may be a small amount of extra time required, such as 1 day per month, when samples are received from the field that need to be processed quickly in order to completed analysis within a specified time period. Travel to collaborator's facility (NAIT) will be required at least once in the project to help train project members.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Able to effectively manage time to complete project work/objectives and contribute to research teams to meet bi-annual project reviews
- Presenting specialized technical information and research results to research team and industry partners
- Make any procedural recommendations that would be beneficial to the project work
- Responsible to maintain established procedures of research group
- Analyze samples according to established analytical protocols on the GC, HPLC, rheometer
- Establish and maintain anaerobic enrichment cultures under varied incubation conditions
- Observe and record results from analysis
- Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data
- Meet with supervisor bi-weekly to review data
- Perform manual activities
- Help to maintain lab equipment
- Present research reports to project team, including collaborators, and give lab presentations
Qualifications / Requirements:
- B.Sc. or M.Sc.
- Although a B.Sc. would be sufficient, the work involves specialized analytical skills (work with HPLC, GC), microbiological/molecular biological analysis of environmental samples, skills in anaerobic culturing, and experience in working with polymers/viscosity measurements. Additional education and training would be beneficial (e.g. M.Sc. or undergraduate research training).
- WHMIS
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs
- Some repetitive tasks
- Able to multi-task and deal with multiple priorities efficiently and effectively
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Effect communication skills for data presentation to research team and to teach protocols to collaborators
Application Deadline: July 11, 2025
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 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.
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 (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
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.
