Research Associate – University of Calgary – Calgary, AB

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator.

While stress levels are low in this role, moderate impact of errors can still occur. Working in the laboratory will require focus and attention. The Research Associate will perform quality control testing techniques when cleaning and maintain instruments, all equipment and supplies. There is a responsibility to ensure that the daily operations of the laboratory are completed in an efficient and effective manner. This position will work both independently and in a team environment.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Under general supervision & direction of the PI, develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research
Laboratory work will contribute to the publishing of scientific research papers
Specific tasks will include but not be limited to the following:
Molecular cloning, working with DNA, RNA, and protein, maintaining lab plasmid stocks, making reagents and solution as needed
Working with C. elegans (picking worms, screening for specific phenotypes, integrating strains, etc)
Advanced optical microscopy, especially immunofluorescence techniques applied to C. elegans embryos
Conduct literature review, surveys, laboratory experiments and other research for us in scholarly publications
Conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses
Reliable and safe operation of all laboratory equipment
Trains other staff and students in the operation of equipment and laboratory protocols
Keep laboratory and work area clean and safe
Establishes and maintains effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, immediate supervisor and senior management and with the campus community
Demonstrated strong communication, team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines
Understanding of safety codes, standards, and systems related to specialization

Qualifications / Requirements:

Bachelors Degree
Specialized certification
Minimum 2 years of technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline
1 to 3 years of related technical experience within the research specialty field
Ability to operate advanced super-resolution optical microscope; experience in operating laser-scanning confocal microscope
Experience in classical genetic analysis
Experience in molecular genetics, including cloning, PCR, sequencing, sequence analysis, western blotting, antibody staining and immunofluoresence microscopy
Ability to carry out independent, self-directed research at the level of a post-candidacy PhD student.
Expected to propose, design and carry out experiments
Ability of use the literature to design and trouble shoot experiments
Help train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in experimental methods. In some cases, projects will be carried out together
A thorough knowledge of most molecular biological techniques is required, experience with the research organism Caenorhabditis elegans is preferred
Perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex technological systems
Recommend change to processes or procedures
Interact with other members of the team and undertake literature reviews
Provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures
Operate and maintain complex technical equipment
Demonstrated strong communication, team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines
Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet skills
Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable
A positive attitude and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are critical to success
WHMIS

Application Deadline:  February 12, 2016.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation’s most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada’s top five research universities by 2016, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university’s Gaelic motto, which translates as ‘I will lift up my eyes’. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary believes that a respectful workplace, equal opportunity and building a diverse workforce contribute to the richness of the environment for teaching, learning and research, and provide faculty, staff, students and the public with a university that reflects the society it serves. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

Business address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary AB T2N 1N4

Contact information: hrhire@ucalgary.ca

TO APPLY:

Please visit the University of Calgary’s career opportunities page; www.ucalgary.ca/careersuofc.   Job Opening ID #9681.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase I.  (Salary range $23.10 – $33.60/hour)

To find out more about our competitive salaries and benefits, and why we are a great place to work and learn, please visit the Staff Careers website.

Quote Job Reference: Job ID #9681

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