Laboratory Technician

**Classification & Regular Hours**: Hours per Week: 37.5 Salary Grade: Level N Please note, this is a 1 year temporary full time contract opportunity covering a leave of absence. **Secondments are Welcome**: Click here for more details on secondment opportunities. **About Western**: Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. **About Us**: **Responsibilities**: The Laboratory Technician works in collaboration to provide technical support primarily for the second year undergraduate core laboratory courses in the Department of Biology under the direction of the Laboratory Director. The role works in a team with other technical staff sharing day-to-day tasks including assisting with laboratory preparation and organization, ensuring the timely availability of materials and resources related to the laboratory, and ordering supplies using pre-established guidelines. The Laboratory Technician will operate and set-up laboratory equipment, apparatuses and instrumentation for use in courses, and will clean up after the laboratory session is complete. The role will also assist with providing training and oversight to students, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. **Qualifications**: **Education**: - 4 year University Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a specialization in microbiology, genetics, and/or molecular cell biology **Experience**: - 1 year of hands-on job experience working in a laboratory environment in the areas of microbiology, genetics, and molecular cell biology - 1 year technical hands-on job experience working directly in a technical support role in an undergraduate biological science teaching laboratory is preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - Familiarity with common laboratory practices, safe handling procedures, WHMIS, MSDS and hazardous waste procedures - Ability to prepare, setup, and deploy undergraduate teaching labs according to schedule and instructions - Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users - Ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation - Ability to work independently or as part of a collaborative team to achieve results - Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and set appropriate priorities in a fast-paced setting with competing priorities and deadlines - Self-motivated, multi-tasker with a strong record of teamwork and ability to work independently with little supervision - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities - Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the laboratory’s events and activities - Strong interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships at all levels of the organization - Ability to take initiative to troubleshoot and resolve lab preparation, set-up, and clean-up issues - Strong judgment, analytical, and problem solving skills with a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and opportunities - Basic mathematical skills to complete accurate calculations - Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support - Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite - Ability to lift approximately 20-25 lbs (such as oversized trays or large loads of hazardous waste) using proper ergonomic procedures and related equipment **Union Statement**: **Western Values Diversity**: **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.