Research Technician I

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: Level N

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The Department of Biochemistry is a vibrant community of faculty, research personnel, students and administrative staff dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in research and
teaching. The Department conducts research in the areas of Genome Dynamics, Epigenetics & Gene Expression; Human Genetics & Clinical Biochemistry; Signal Transduction & Intracellular Communication; Macromolecular Structure & Dynamics; Proteomics; and Bioinformatics.

The mission of Dr. Lu and Dr. Zhou’s research is to translate their basic discoveries to the clinic to improve human health. Specifically, they have discovered a unique enzyme called Pin1, whose deregulation has the opposite impact on cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, they have developed Pin1 inhibitors for treating cancer and created innovative antibodies for treating memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease or after brain injury or stroke and sepsis.

**Responsibilities**:
The Research Technician will work under the direction of Principal Investigators, and in collaboration with researchers and students, to prepare and conduct experiments involving cell culture, animal and human tissues, following set protocols and procedures in the research laboratory. The role will assist with laboratory maintenance and organization, ordering supplies, and animal protocols, and will contribute to providing training and oversight to researchers and students, as required. The Research Technician will operate and support the installation, calibration, modification, troubleshooting and servicing of equipment and instrumentation related to the research.

**Qualifications**:

- Education:
- 4 year University Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Neuroscience or related discipline
- Experience:
- 1 year of experience working in a research-intensive laboratory environment including experience with the handling of rodents and working with animal and human tissues and cell culture
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of behavioural analysis in mice, familiarity with animal handling and animal “normals” for mouse species with the ability to recognize and report animal health issues
- Knowledge of associated risks in a research environment with the ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
- Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis and with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and analyses
- Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
- Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
- Ability to remain highly motivated to accomplish goals in established timeframes and to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
- Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
- Ability to follow formal processes and protocols with high attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite the ability to learn and use software programs related to research
- Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public

**Union Statement**:
**Background Checks**:
Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce current record check(s) (e.g. vulnerable sector, criminal record and police information) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

**Western Values Diversity**:
**Please Note**:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.