Laboratory Technician

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

The Department of Surgery at the University of Alberta comprises 15 divisions and offers comprehensive programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. In addition to its core divisions, the department includes numerous research groups that drive cutting-edge advancements in areas such as transplantation, joint preservation and regeneration, and surgical simulation technology. Established in 1922, the department has long been a leader in the field, committed to balancing technological innovation with the human touch that defines the art of surgery. Its overarching mission is to restore health through surgical intervention while upholding patient dignity and comfort as essential components of care.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Andrew Pepper, Associate Professor, the Laboratory Technician will assist with the design, implementation, and analysis of diabetes and transplant related research projects. A major component of this role will involve tissue culture and isolation of pancreatic islets, procured from small and large animal models as well as humans. In addition, this role will involve the transplantation of islets into rodent models of type 1 diabetes, and metabolic follow up and subsequent collection of transplanted grafts for analysis.

Lab Management: 

• Assist the Senior Laboratory Technician with daily laboratory activities such as maintenance of lab equipment, purchasing supplies, maintaining all inventories, doing dishes, autoclaving lab supplies, preparing solutions, general cleaning
• Work with the Senior Laboratory Technician to plan and develop experimental protocols in collaboration with the PI, graduate/summer students, postdocs, trainees and technical staff
• Provide assistance in writing, revising and renewing standard operating protocols (SOPs), Animal Use Protocols (AUP), Human Ethics Protocols (Pros)
• Recognize and react to biosafety and chemical safety in the lab, ensuring proper handling and treatment of hazardous materials. Issues are escalated to the Senior Laboratory Technician and PI as appropriate.
• Act as a resource to other research projects and collaborations as identified by the investigators.
• Coordinate orientation and support the Senior Laboratory Technician with the ongoing development of junior research team members. Orient and integrate new research team members in the laboratory and offices.

In Vivo Experimentation: 

• Assist in sample processing and animal model experiments involving mouse, rat, pig, and human cell cultures and transplants in collaboration with the PI
• Participate and assist in animal surgeries and post-operative monitoring
• Participate and assist with blood collection (non-fasting, fasting – blood glucose) and post-transplant monitoring
• Participate and assist in glucose tolerance testing (rodents)
• Participate and assist in rat exercise studies
• Participate and assist in pig pancreatectomies (terminal)
• Perform mouse deviceless transplants and graft retrieval
• Perform mouse kidney capsule transplant, nephrectomy and graft retrieval

In Vitro Experimentation:

• Complete data collection including analyzing tissue samples (islets, stem cell derived beta cells, MIN-6 cells) for oxygen consumption rates, insulin secretion and content, cytokine profiles, fluorometric, ELISA and colorimetric assays
• Collection and interpretation of experimental data to determine relevant significance and eventual publications

• Minimum post-secondary diploma in Bioscience Technology or a related field
• Experience in cell culture (e.g. islets) will be considered a strong asset
• 1 year experience in research setting for the equivalent demonstrated combined technical/administrative experience in a health-related research field.
• Experience with handling and care of lab animals, use of small animal surgical equipment, and animal handling certification will be considered an asset
• Computer proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Apps (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate information with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal
• Highly developed organizational and time management skills including demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects

Application Instructions

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This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.