Fly Microbiome Technician

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The Department of Biology is the largest academic unit within the Faculty of Science. Throughout the academic year, the Department provides courses to over 10,500 students annually, has approximately 1400 majors and an average graduate enrollment of 140 - 160 students. The major foci within the department is namely scientific research, graduate, undergraduate and public education. The Department seeks to find a better working balance between the development and strengthening of its research enterprise and the maintenance of its strong undergraduate program seeking to enhance and strengthen its graduate program and make meaningful contributions to existing and future collaborative programs that fall within its sphere of influence and interest. The Department is housed in six main buildings (B&GS, WSC, Collip, NCB, AFAR, and Biotron).

**Responsibilities**:
The Fly microbiome technician will be responsible for preparing axenic and gnotobiotic Drosophila melanogaster, and conduct some measurements of body size and feeding rate.

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**Education**:
- Undergraduate Degree in Biology or a related field

**Experience**:
- 1 year of experience supporting insect research
- Experience working with axenic insects
- Demonstrated ability to prepare axenic Drosophila eggs

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:
- Experience maintaining colonies of insects, including axenic insects
- Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
- Ability to follow processes with high attention to detail
- Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs
- Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
- Ability to collect and analyze data in an objective manner
- Demonstrated ability to understand and resolve issues
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

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