Research Technician I

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: Level N

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The BIOCORE provides cutting edge scientific expertise and instrumentation and designs and implements new technologies used to understand the molecular basis of fundamental biological processes underlying human health and disease that could guide innovations in their diagnosis and treatment.

**Responsibilities**:
The Research Technician conducts all technical aspects of the Biological Mass Spectrometry Laboratory and its constituent role in the BIOCORE, and carries out fee for service activities by establishing and maintaining protein mass spectrometry services available to students, researchers and clients from Western, from other academic institutions and from industry, following set protocols and procedures. The position serves as a main contact person for new and returning users and provides assistance to expand the user base of both internal and external clients. The Research Technician carries out experimental work and works in collaboration with the BIOCORE Facility Manager, Facility Research Scientist(s), Faculty advisors and the BIOCORE Director in defining Facility policies. The role also monitors and maintains a wide range of instruments and lab resources, and carries out functions relating to the maintenance and operation of the resources, including monitoring instrument performance, preventative maintenance, training, troubleshooting and consulting with users and service providers.

**Qualifications**:

- Education:
- 4 year University Bachelor's Degree in a relevant area of focus

**Experience**:
- 1 year of experience in an academic service facility environment, specializing in biological mass spectrometry
- Experience in a research intensive laboratory environment with practical experience in proteins and peptides by HPLC and analysis by MS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- General knowledge of instrumentation and familiarity with analyses of peptides and proteins by both HPLC and MS
- Knowledge of, and experience using operating software, analysis software, instrument procedures and multivendor maintenance protocols (including sample tracking and billing)
- 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
- Ability to identify key results from research and to summarize and draft reports on research findings

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