Research Technician, Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory

**Research Technician, Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory**:
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine is Recruiting for a Research Technician in the Omics Resource Centre (ORC). The incumbent will provide technical support for molecular genetics and next generation sequencing (NGS) services provided through the Omics Resource Centre.

The newly established Omics Resource Centre is a core genomics and microbiomics service & research support laboratory and one of four research service facilities at the WCVM. ORC is working together with various partners such as the USask Livestock Forage and Centre of Excellence (LFCE), the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and PDS to provide integrated genomics services, training of HQPs and consultation from study design to data analysis tailored to the needs of the on
- and off-campus veterinary, animal agriculture and basic research community.

The supported research projects entail but are not limited to livestock productivity, genetic diversity, disease investigation, antimicrobial resistance and surveillance as well as microbiomes. ORC also develops diagnostic tools & provides omics services for producers that help to enhance the productivity and sustainability of commercial livestock for meat quality, animal health, and food safety.

**Nature of Work**: Reporting to the Genomics Laboratory Manager at ORC, the Research Technician is responsible for execution of research tasks within assigned projects from sample preparation, sample purification and QC procedures, to NGS library preparation and sequencing. The incumbent will frequently team up with other lab staff, users or trainees to help facilitate their projects. They will ensure precise sample tracking through the workflows using the LIMS and ensure lab is stocked and organized.

**Typical Duties or Accountabilities**:

- Work independently on assigned projects by Genomics Laboratory Manager, report to the Genomics Laboratory Manager
- Conduct molecular laboratory tasks including nucleic acid extractions, PCR/qPCR assays, NGS library preparation, setup of NGS sequencing runs and sample quantification/quality control assays
- Work with a wide variety of sample types (e.g. tissue, swabs, blood, feces, saliva, microbial)
- On demand, assist students in laboratory techniques
- Perform general lab housekeeping duties, help with ensuring the lab is stocked and organized (_g._ assist with waste management)
- Support SOP development and data collection
- Interact with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure correct sample tracking through assigned workflows

**Education**: An undergraduate degree in biology, animal science or agricultural biology with training in genetics and genomics techniques and at least 3 years of professional experience in research environments and with laboratory technology is required. A combination of a related degree in a comparable field and at least five years of professional experience in a molecular genetics research laboratory would also be considered.

**Experience**: Experience with molecular genetics methods, such as nucleic acid extraction assays, NGS library preparation, quality and quantification assays (e.g. PCR/qPCR) is essential.
- Prior hands-on experience in SOP development, writing experimental summary reports is desirable.
- Experience with lab automation (liquid handlers, LIMS, purification automates) is an asset.

**Application Process**: Applications will be accepted online only at careers.usask.ca and must include a cover letter and resume to be submitted as a single PDF document.

**Department**: Western College of Veterinary Medicine
**Status**: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
**Employment Group**: Research Positions - Non-union
**Full Time Equivalent (FTE)**: 1.0
**Salary**: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
**Salary Phase/Band**:Salary Band 7
**Posted Date**: 1/29/2025
**Closing Date**: 2/5/2025
**Number of Openings**:1
**Work Location**:On Campus

**Criminal Record Check**:Yes
**Driver's License and Abstract Check**:Not Applicable
**Education/Credential Verification**:Yes
**Vulnerable Sector Check**:Not Applicable