Laboratory Technician Jobs

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. This is a bold vision, one that we will strive to achieve through investing in our talent. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners and stakeholders to discover, develop and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.

We are guided by our Values of: Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Primary Purpose

To be part of a team in the Cell Biology Platform focused on developing, optimizing, implementing, and scaling reliable transformation and tissue culture protocols as well developing double haploids.

NATURE OF WORK

Reporting to the Platform Lead, Cell Biology, you will provide technical support, with a focus on genetic transformation of identified priority crops (e.g., canola, wheat, and pulses) and model plants (e.g., Arabidopsis).

You will be required to work effectively, both independently and as a team member, and to exercise discretionary decision making. Work occurs in an environment which requires a high level of accuracy with repetitive tasks, where there is continuous change and growth, shifting and competing priorities, multiple requests, and frequent interruptions. You will be part of a team that fosters a work atmosphere that is collaborative, open, positive, supportive, responsive, and transparent. You will demonstrate a strong safety acumen.

Accountabilities

• Adhere to good equipment use practices, including proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance (equipment includes laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, media preparator).
• Maintain complete records and inventories using Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs); proper record keeping and utilization of electronic lab notebooks, and/or other internal software tools; including development and updates of SOPs.
• Sample collection and basic molecular characterization (e.g., DNA Extraction, PCR).
• Adhere to all applicable SOP’s, including R&D and production.
• Genetic transformation and tissue culture research and development (R&D) in controlled environments (tissue culture cabinets, growth chambers, and greenhouses).
• Observe and maintain plant growth and health and monitor for contamination/disease.
• Stay current with continuous improvement and innovation for tissue culture techniques and bring new ideas to the Platform Lead.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Ensure the laboratory is well stocked and resourced and communicate with Platform Lead for supply orders.
• Clean, sterilize and maintain supplies, equipment, and facilities according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Manage multiple requests and set priorities based on needs.
• Adhere to all safety and good laboratory practices as per WHMIS and Lab Safety Training guidelines (including proper handling and use of all chemicals and reagents).
• Preparation of cells, regular and selective culture media, solutions, cells stock, autoclave materials, and other transformation laboratory related daily routine activities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a science institute or industry is a strong asset.
• Experience with transformation and tissue culture, conducting R&D in controlled environments such as tissue culture cabinets/chambers/greenhouses, and practical experience working in sterile environments and molecular biology methods.
• Crop transformation knowledge (e.g., canola, wheat, and/or pulses), double haploid development and, experience with new editing technologies transformation (e.g., CRISPR) considered an asset.
• Diploma or degree with area of focus in Plant Biology, Botany, Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Agronomy, or a comparable field.
• A minimum of two years experience in genetic transformation and tissue culture and/or a plant molecular biology lab.

Skills

• A track record of delivering superior results and developing respect in previous organizations via a collaborative and team based working styles and a demonstrated ability to deliver quality results while meeting demanding timelines.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented and diverse atmosphere.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful relationships to ensure a culture of collaboration.
• Ability to identify issues and then develop and implement creative and outcomes-oriented solutions.
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, organizational skills, and the acumen to manage multiple requests with competing deadlines.
• A deep commitment to enacting equity, diversity, inclusion.
• Exceptional attention to details including in planning, organizing and record keeping.
• Adept at using sterile/aseptic techniques, and follow strict SOPs/GLPs/documentation practices
• Computer proficiency in Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and professional integrity.
• Highly motivated with a willingness to learn and the proven ability to be self-directed, thriving in a dynamic environment.

Department: Global Institute for Food Security

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable):

Salary Phase/Band: Not Applicable

Posted Date: 6/23/2023

Closing Date: 8/4/2023

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Site

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable

Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable

Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable

Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

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.