Research Technician

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
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Job Summary

The primary responsibilities of the Research Technician will be to oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, ensure maintenance of equipment and laboratory space, and dispose of biological/hazardous wastes. They will be required to assist and perform experiments in the lab and record results/data and conduct analysis required by the Principal Investigator. The Research Technician will be working with genetic mouse models and will be required to assist in the management of a mouse colony, perform injections, pre-op and post-op care of the animals, and tissue dissections.
**Job Description**:
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Responsible for maintenance of laboratory facilities, equipment, day-to-day operations, and safe management of hazardous materials. Liaise with PPS and EH&S when required.
- Perform routine animal care procedures involving mice including handling, husbandry, genotyping, injections (IP, IM, IV), and health checks.
- Coordinate and conduct experiments and procedures according to protocols and scientific methods.
- Analyse experimental data and perform statistical analysis.
- Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and use precision laboratory equipment and instruments (such as cell culture facilities, biosafety cabinets).
- Ensure compliance with safety and ethical guidelines, and appropriate use of laboratory equipment by junior research staff and students in the lab.
- Perform administrative duties as required including: inventory/ordering supplies, maintenance, bookkeeping, and record keeping. Ensures adherence to the University’s and granting agency’s policies and procedures.
- Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data as needed.
- The use of some hazardous materials will be required and include but are not restricted to, Diphtheria toxin, tamoxifen, and cardiotoxin.
- Undertake other duties in support of the laboratory.

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Completion of a two
- or three-year post-secondary program in a related field (Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Veterinary Technician, Laboratory Technician, or other related fields).
- Completion of a University degree in a relevant field considered an asset.
- Minimum of three years of related experience in a molecular biology laboratory setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Previous experience as a Research Technician would be an asset.

**SPECIAL SKILLS**:

- Respects diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and make accommodations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines and to coordinate experimental schedules.
- Self-directed, able to create and implement programs with mínimal supervision and guidance.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to work collaboratively.
- Ability to perform research-related procedures (e.g., prepare solutions, dissection, specimen preparation)
- Extensive knowledge of Molecular Biology and general laboratory techniques.
- Knowledge of computer programs, programming, and information technology necessary for research, preparation and presentation of data and analysis.
- Ability to handle animals, including sampling, care, and treatment in accordance with ethical guidelines.
- Will require proficiency in a variety of machines and instruments such as light and immunofluorescent microscopes, confocal microscope, flow cytometry, centrifuges, and PCR machine.
- A high degree of accuracy in all work assignments, and record keeping.

**DECISION MAKING**:

- Under appropriate supervision, the incumbent will decide on optimal protocols and equipment to use in running an experiment and decide on steps to take when assigned a new project.
- Determine how to deal with unexpected experimental results and errors. Decide if a problem can be resolved personally or if consultation with the supervisor is necessary.
- Determine best way to correct minor methodological deviations.
- Determine experimental approaches and techniques. Decide how to optimize protocols to get most accurate results. Adapt procedures to solve research problems or to gain new perspective.
- Respond to inquiries from the public and other researchers and determine where to redirect inquiries, if required.
- Determine which equipment needs to be repaired, replaced, or acquired, as necessary.
- Determine whether a particular procedure falls within ethical guideline