Laboratory Technician

Overview:
Provides support in various aspects of research undertaken by the Hunter Laboratory in the School of Optometry and Vision Science to achieve the project deliverables required by study sponsors and to generate pilot data for new investigations. This could include, but is not limited to, in vivo retinal imaging of mice and other pre-clinical animal models, of people in health and disease, and histological samples or in vitro cell cultures.

**This position is contingent upon funding.**

**Responsibilities**:
Research
- Contributes to the development of research plans, including the selection of instrumentation, methodology and approach, and statistical planning
- Oversees the progress for each study by consulting and collaborating with all stakeholders on the data collection process and analysis methodologies for each study, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely and accurate completion
- Designs, tests and validates data collection protocols, tools and instruments, including problem solving and troubleshooting
- Performs data collection and analysis as outlined in the research plans for sponsored and preliminary studies
- Develops, edits, and utilizes custom software for data analysis
- Maintains custom optical instrumentation by performing routine alignment and calibration

Administration
- Prepares and maintains manuals of standard operating procedures for relevant lab techniques
- Trains new lab personnel to use specific equipment and in the performance of various biochemical and laboratory procedures, as required
- Supervises undergraduate students performing research and data analysis within the laboratory
- Sources lab supplies, consumables, or recommend and provide cost-effective alternatives for relevant projects and ensure that they are well-stocked
- Organizes laboratory meetings (telephone and/or face-to-face) with relevant stakeholders
- Schedules use of lab equipment to ensure all projects have adequate resource available

Communication
- Ensures high quality of deliverables through the preparation, presentation and dissemination of concise, accurate reports, fact sheets and other papers associated with the evaluation under study. This includes presenting evaluation results (verbally and in writing) and making recommendations for further development of the program or initiative by synthesizing and transferring knowledge generated by the study in question
- Directly contributes to the development of research related documents through writing reports for supervisor and sponsors of relevant research material as well as preparing clear, high-quality figures for dissemination of research findings
- Assists with the development of publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at professional meetings
- Assists in conducting literature searches and reviews as needed, including consulting with other researchers in the field

Finance
- Responsible to source and purchase all laboratory supplies and consumables
- Assists the Research Manager with obtaining quotes for laboratory equipment when required
- Maintains UW credit card (p-card) attached to lab accounts to pay for various purchases
- Liaise with appropriate senior researchers to secure financial approval
- Track spending on current projects and assist with the management of study budgets, which may have varied requirements based on study type and/or sponsor

Safety
- Prepare and verify monthly laboratory safety reports and participates in annual safety inspections when required
- Ensure that all SDS sheets are in order, and chemical inventory lists are up-to-date
- Ensure that all laboratory participants are fully trained in safety specific and protocol-required training and that safety training records are current

Qualifications:

- A Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent related experience and/or education
- An MSc is preferred. Possible fields of study include, but are not limited to Vision Science, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, and/or Optics
- A minimum of three years’ experience working in at least one of the following fields: optics and opto-mechanics, microscopy, or in human and animal-based research
- Experience with Matlab is required
- Knowledge of image processing is useful
- Experience in writing and producing diverse publications and other communication deliverables
- Experience with designing, testing and validating data collection protocols, tools and instruments
- Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proven writing, editing, and proofreading skills for content in a range of styles
- Ability to respond to unexpected events when running experiments is an asset
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- The incumbent will be working in a lab containing a variety of light sources, including Class 3B and 4 lasers. They will work with live animals

Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Call