Description
The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Bioassay Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The position of Bioassay Technician for the Alberta Centre for Toxicology (ACFT) reports to the Bioassay Section Head (manager), with accountabilities also from the Associate Director and the Director. Workload varies by research projects and number of service samples received. Bioassay technicians are responsible for basic daily/weekly/monthly routine instrumentation maintenance, method/instrument trouble shooting, and instrument supplies (the more difficult maintenance and repair is performed by more senior staff or the vendor's service rep. Staff may also work with instrument technical support to solve problems).
The lab strives for continuous improvement and changes to policies, procedures, equipment, staff, projects and priorities do occur regularly. Work requires possible exposure to dangerous materials and/or situations and is conducted in an area with constant background noise from instruments. The biological samples used by this position places the laboratory in the Biohazard Level 2 which requires University of Calgary hazard training.
The Technician will perform the routine maintenance of various types of cell culture, including primary cells, immortalized normal cells and cancer cells. They will perform microscopy to evaluate the physiological status of the cultured cells. The Technician will perform cytotoxicity or proliferation assay using a real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) system to measure impedance-based signals in both cellular and cell invasion/migration (CIM) assays. The samples include reference compounds and field collections.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- May be responsible for performing analysis as required for the Cytotoxic Profiling project / Cyanobacteria monitoring project/ method validation study/mixture study/endocrine disrupting chemicals study,
- May be responsible for recommending, implementing and validating new procedures or making improvements to existing procedures and maintaining established programs and procedures
- Perform the routine maintenance of various types of cell culture, including primary cells, immortalized normal cells and cancer cells
- Perform microscopy to evaluate the physiological status of the cultured cells
- Perform cytotoxicity or proliferation assay using a real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) system to measure impedance-based signals in both cellular and cell invasion/migration (CIM) assays
- Occasionally perform protein phosphatase inhibition assay for cyanotoxins in ground and surface water
- Perform testing and ensure that the analysis meets quality control expectations standards and SOP
- Order and maintain stock supplies of chemicals, reagents and for instruments
- Prepare internal quality controls and calibrators for verification before use
- Perform routine maintenance on instruments. Bioassay technicians need a working knowledge of instrument software and biostatistics software for sample analysis, trouble shooting, and diagnostics
- With staff shortages staff may be asked to fill in for others and be trained to perform duties not normally part of their routine job assignments
- Develope special methods for compounds of interest
- Data tabulation of old results, researching online for a topic of interest for laboratory growth
- Properly record of daily laboratory activities and use of internal chain of custody, Quality control charts, maintenance logs, verification logs, and preparation logs are required
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology or related field
- 1 year experience in Cell Biology (university program may be considered as part or all of the 1 year experience required)
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Certificate (WHMIS) Biohazard Level 2
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, biostatistics programs and microscopic imaging programs
- Ability to multi-task and deal with multiple simultaneous priorities in an efficient and effective manner
- Requires strong organizational and time management skills, accuracy, and strong attention to detail
- Previous experience/exposure with the RTCA technology will be an asset
Application Deadline: August 20, 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.
