Laboratory Technician Jobs

Job Title - Laboratory Technician - Dept. of Kinesiology

Job ID - 55454

Location - Central Campus

Job Type - Continuing

Close Date - 06/20/2023

Employee Group - Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Department - Kinesiology

Salary Grade/Band - Grade 8

Salary Range - $26.92 - $40.53 (hourly)

Hours per Week - 37.5

Posting Details

Schedule - Monday to Friday: 8:30 am - 5 pm.

Education Level - Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Career Level - Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

The Laboratory Technician would work to support lab offerings in the Kinesiology Undergraduate Program. Overseeing the day to day operation of the Anatomy and Physiology labs would be a focus of the role with support and development of lab offerings in other Kinesiology courses as a secondary focus.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, delegate, or course instructor, oversees the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories. Responsible for providing technical support within a laboratory environment. Assist course instructors by designing, fabricating, assembling, preparing, conducting, and demonstrating experiments.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Collaborate with the course instructor to determine how the experiment will be designed to align with and reinforce the defined learning concept.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.

• Design, fabricate and assemble new and review and modify existing laboratory experiments in consultation with the course instructor.

• Design, build and operate nonstandard equipment, test systems, and devices for use in the facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.

• Design and fabricate instrumentation required for undergraduate teaching.

• Create data acquisition and control software applications for undergraduate teaching laboratories.

• Set up and conduct both standardized and non-standardized experiments.

• Assess and mitigate the physical risks associated with the set-up and demonstration of experiments.

• Utilize various software packages and established techniques to analyze data and interpret results.

• Assess the need for, and provide recommendations for, the acquisition of laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies.

• Create and maintain spreadsheets and databases to input, store, and retrieve information as well as update, maintain and verify inventory control of laboratory equipment, supplies, materials and chemicals.

• Provide technical support and assistance to students and instructors.

• In consultation with the course instructor, conduct selected literature searches connected with undergraduate education.

• Perform trouble-shooting in the facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories to correct issues including, but not limited to, software, equipment failure and contamination.

• Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.

• Write laboratory manuals in consultation with the lab instructor.

• Update and maintain detailed records of laboratory preparations, procedures, and results.

• Develop, implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for equipment and experiments.

• Update and maintain and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets.

• Log incident reports.

• Adhere to safety policies.

• Perform and keep record of regular safety audits as delegated by the supervisor.

• Keep record and ensure that all individuals adhere to established safety policies and have completed the required laboratory safety training.

• Exchange technical and scientific information with colleagues, faculty, and students.

• Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in a clean, tidy and safe working order.

• Responsible for the use of radioactive sources and their secure storage.

• Attend and participate in regular meetings with teaching assistants and others to ensure lab experiments are understood and conducted accordingly.

• Complete initial laboratory set-up in accordance with laboratory schedules and requirements.

• Prepare a variety of materials and chemicals.

• Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment and instruments in accordance with prescribed requirements.

• Perform minor equipment repairs and arrange for major repairs through supervisor, delegate, lab instructor or outside contractor.

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate the availability of laboratory equipment and resources.

• Responsible for the daily maintenance of the laboratory including the set up, take down, and clean up after each experiment.

• Remove waste in accordance with applicable waste handling guidelines.

• Source pricing information, order, and set up materials, equipment, computers and software required for the facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.

• Operate a variety of power tools such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses, soldering irons and other power equipment as necessary.

• Operate nonstandard equipment, test systems, and devices, connected with selected areas of the department.

Supervision:

Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks.

Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

Attention to detail

Ability to adapt to stressful situations.

Ability to manage time effectively and work independently.

Training and experience programming with Python, R or similar technologies

Additional Information:

Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.

Experience and ability to handle a heavy workload with many interruptions.

Experience developing, planning, coordinating and organizing undergraduate laboratory experiences

Extensive knowledge of Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Knowledge of human biomechanics, motor control, neuroscience and other areas of Kinesiology

Demonstrated experience working in an academic setting working with faculty, support staff and undergraduate students.

Training and demonstrated abilities with laboratory and educational support software applications, including the use of Microsoft 365 suite, LabChart, Avenue to Learn