Research Technician

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The Robarts Research Institute within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University has made its mission to accelerate medical discovery. Through a powerful integration of basic and clinical research, we are driving major advances that impact on many of today's most devastating diseases.

**Responsibilities**:
The Research Technician provides technical support related to activities involving small animals related to husbandry, behavior, and molecular analysis. The role reports via regular meetings with Principal Investigators and other research staff to review ongoing activities, plan future activities, and anticipate future requirements with respect to project needs. The role is responsible for providing animal husbandry, performing behavioral tasks, collecting tissues, performing molecular analysis such as PCR and ELISA, as well as immunohistochemistry. The Research Technician will report any physical or behavioral abnormalities, and will complete and maintain documentation and records related to animal care and procedures ensuring that animals are cared for according to Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and American College of Veterinary Services (ACVS) guidelines. The Research Technician will perform all tasks, under the direction of their supervisor husbandry of mice, tissue collection, behavior and molecular analyses in adherence to relevant guidelines. The role will demonstrate sincere compassion for animals and will advocate for the welfare of animals under their care by promptly following up with animal care leadership regarding any environmental, experimental or health concerns.

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- 4-year university bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Medical Science, Biotechnology or other relevant disciplines

**Experience**:

- 1 year of experience working in a research-intensive laboratory environment working with genetically modified mouse lines
- Experience with rodent behavior
- Molecular biology/biochemistry experience such as PCR, qPCR, immunoblot, ELISA

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

- Knowledge of CCAC guidelines and policies of the Western Animal Use Subcommittee
- Knowledge of behavioural analysis in mice, familiarity with animal handling and animal “normals” for mouse species with the ability to recognize and report animal health issues
- Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
- Knowledge of associated risks in a research environment with the ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
- Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
- Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
- Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
- Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
- Ability to follow formal processes and protocols with high attention to detail
- Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities along with excellent organizational, prioritization, and verbal communication skills
- Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs; Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public with the ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to identify key results from research and to summarize and draft reports on research findings
- Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

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

**Western Values Diversity**:
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

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