Lab Manager, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Primary Purpose: The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) Imaging Centre Laboratory Manager will manage and operate a fee-based, cost-recovery laboratory. They will work with stakeholders to develop a business plan, design the service to meet research and training needs of the research community, then implement and manage this plan, including directly supervising additional imaging/microscopy technician(s) as the revenues from service fees allow.
Nature of Work: The manager will be responsible for providing highly technical imaging services and to work with students at all levels and faculty from all over the campus and researchers and industry representatives from outside the University of Saskatchewan to meet their research objectives. They will provide all aspects of imaging services: experimental designs, sample preparation, imaging and digital image analyses. This position requires a thorough understanding of and extensive hands-on experience with light and electron microscopy, in order to decide what approaches to take to solve problems and to deliver results to researchers in an effective manner. This position reports to the Associate Dean of Research at WCVM. The working environment is a mixture of independence and collaboration with the Associate Dean Research and other laboratory managers reporting to this office. The manager will also process and image samples, as needed, until the customer base has grown sufficiently to warrant hiring a lab technician that the Lab Manager will supervise. Research support will involve implementation of existing protocols, maintaining the microscopes and ensuring users safely use them, guiding budget development for new research proposals, and imaging samples.
The Manager will be a creative, organized, energetic and highly motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that they create for themselves.
This position reports to the WCVM Associate Dean Research & Graduate Studies.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:
- Work with multiple stakeholders from the WCVM and other colleges from across to design and operate an Imaging Centre for research and training service;
- Provide education via in-lab instruction for researchers and their personnel in imaging techniques using electron microscopes (SEM, TEM) as well as Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF), confocal and basic histology/microscopy techniques
- Coordinate the day-to-day functions of the Imaging Centre, including various research projects, deadlines, budgeting for the lab itself and advising on budgets for project development;
- As revenues allow, supervise a laboratory assistant who can aid in imaging using the microscopes available at the Imaging Centre and liaise with technicians from other units on campus (SSRC) that might also buy time on the equipment;
- Exercise decision making and problem solving to ensure priorities and deadlines are met and take initiative to move beyond completion of assigned tasks to plan for future changes or requirements;
- Ensure appropriate use and responsible organization of space, and procuring maintenance and operation of equipment located in WCVM;
- Liaise with financial managers to ensure accurate budgeting, payment of costs, reconciliation and fee collection with the goal of cost recovery of the service through growth of the customer base;
- Maintain the integrity of financial information by ensuring that financial data is complete and accurate and complies with legislation, general accounting principles, best practices, agreements with external parties, and U of S policies and procedures;
- Develop correspondence, reports, and written materials as required; maintain documentation for researchers and audit compliance;
- Build and nurture positive and collaborative relationships with people at all levels throughout the campus community and with relevant external organizations; play an active role in continuous improvement to processes.
Education: Graduate Degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant area with specific expertise and direct hands on experience using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, TIRF and confocal microscopy as well as basic histology techniques. Knowledge in appropriate sample preparation for each technique as well as protocols needed to maintain the equipment is essential. Additional credentials or experience related to laboratory management or business would be an asset. A combination of education and experience in these areas may be considered.
Licenses: None required
Experience: Minimum of three years of relevant experience would be an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Knowledge of and experience with the development of research budgets, managing expenses and adapting to changing financial circumstances is essential.
Skills:
- Advanced skills in transmission and scanning electron microscopy, TIRF and confocal microscopy as well as basic histology techniques
- Ability to supervise, coach, mentor and teach in use of microscopy imaging techniques, associated equipment and their laboratory procedures
- Laboratory standard operating procedure development
- Advanced listening, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
- Experience with literature analysis and synthesis
- Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Self-directed and readily able to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to work both effectively in person and in remote office settings
- Knowledge of and experience with University of Saskatchewan financial and administrative systems
- Business plan development and financial management skills
Department: College of Veterinary Medicine
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 7/11/2025
Closing Date: 7/17/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.