Mts Level 8

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) and the Department of Health Management are seeking a Research Technician to join their team The Research Technician will coordinate and manage three CL2 laboratories and one CL1 laboratory. With a focus in working in the laboratory, the Research Technician will also at time collect field-based samples.

**What we offer**:

- Comprehensive Health and Dental
- Post Retirement Benefits
- Tuition Waivers
- Health and Wellness on Campus available to staff
- Professional Development Opportunities

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Facilitate and coordinate diverse activities and schedules for faculty, technicians, graduate students, summer students, and casual laborers
- Check and maintain workflows and assume responsibility as a primary person of contact for lab-related activities
- Provide technical assistance for research laboratory and field activities for the department of Health Management
- Maintain all biohazardous and chemical materials inventories in UPEI’s central inventory lists
- Coordinate and maintain Laboratory Containment Level 2 (CL2) certification, following guidelines for both Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Maintain an updated Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) portfolio and Pathogen Safety Data Sheet (PSDS) portfolio for all biologicals
- Conduct regular supply inventories and place orders when necessary as well as assist researchers in ordering their laboratory supplies
- Provide safety training to all personnel working in the lab and ensure that lab policies are being followed
- Maintain the lab quality control programs for service diagnostic testing including maintaining the laboratory’s USDA accreditation for Johne’s disease diagnostic testing
- Train laboratory users in the proper use of lab equipment
- Clean and carry out preventative maintenance on all instruments and equipment and arrange for repairs when necessary
- Develop, review and update standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for technical, administrative, and safety policies
- Review and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and other documents for technical accuracy
- Review literature and maintain up to date knowledge of scientific procedures relevant to the position
- Act as a liaison to internal and external persons and organizations regarding technical issues for research projects and/or diagnostic results
- Handle, restrain and collect animal samples (i.e. feces, blood, milk) from farm animals

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Laboratory skills that are required include performing standard microbiological culturing procedures for CL2 pathogens, bacterial identification using MALDI-TOF, bacterial MIC sensitivity testing using Sensititre ARIS HiQ, PCR, ELISA and other common laboratory assays
- Proficiency in data management and effective communication with UPEI staff, faculty and students as well as outside clients (producers and veterinarians) are required
- Minimum educational requirements include a Bachelor of Science in the field of animal science, biology, biotechnology or equivalent education and experience
- Evidence of academic research experience (MSc or similar relevant experience) is desired
- Evidence of working in and maintaining a CL2 laboratory and proficiency in working with and handling large domestic animals in the field are required
- Experience in the safe restraint of farm animals and sample collection (ie fecal, blood, and milk) from these species is required
- Knowledge of agricultural practices specifically related to the dairy industry is also required