Ancillary Services Technician, Diagnostic Services Unit

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Ancillary Services Technician for their Diagnostic Services Unit. This full-time role involves supporting various laboratory activities, including sample processing, record keeping, and general lab maintenance. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating excellent communication and organizational skills while working independently and as part of a team. With a focus on animal health, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to veterinary medicine in a dynamic setting. If you are passionate about life sciences and eager to make a difference, this role may be perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory setting is expected.
• Familiarity with anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process samples and maintain accurate records.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance and cleaning according to biosafety standards.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Customer service skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree or diploma in Life Sciences

Animal Health Technology

Medical Laboratory Technology

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

The Diagnostic Services Unit in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for an Ancillary Services Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 34 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the DSU Operations Manager and receiving day-to-day direction from the various DSU Laboratory Supervisors, the Ancillary Services Technician carries out several activities that support the DSU. The Ancillary Services Technician provides sample receiving and processing, record keeping (including case accessioning, maintenance of general ancillary services records, Chematix), general laboratory maintenance and specific laboratory support as required. The work requires a high degree of judgment, decision making, and confidentiality, all within an environment where there are interruptions and competing interests.

The position is predominantly located within the Clinical Skills Building at the Spy Hill Campus; however, there may be a requirement to travel to the Foothills Campus on occasion. This position works 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday, but on occasion, work outside regular hours may be required. Consequently, a degree of flexibility is required.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Receive samples and animals submitted to the DSU in a timely and professional manner.
• Create and maintain accurate records (accessioning) of animals and samples received into the DSU LIMS.
• Communicate with other members of the DSU team to ensure the accurate and efficient flow of information, including communication of any issues related to pathology receiving.
• The incumbent must be comfortable working in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory environment, including necropsy, handling fresh, frozen and embalmed animal cadavers, organs, tissues, bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions.
• Assist with routine cleaning of the necropsy area, layout room and other areas (as required) with associated documentation and in accordance with established biosafety standards.
• Assist with disposal of animal tissue waste originating within the pathology department and coming from other areas in the building or other sources.
• Assist with general shipping and receiving for the DSU, including distributing appropriate samples to internal laboratory sections.
• Assist with maintenance and archiving laboratory specimens, samples and records.
• Assist with general laboratory maintenance (e.g. ordering, inventory, stocking, cleaning, etc.).
• Assist with laboratory chemical inventory including disposal and annual reconciliation.
• Assist with specific laboratory activities, under direction of the various DSU Laboratory Supervisors. Such activities may include but are not limited to preparation of reagents, solutions and other materials as required, trimming of tissues, processing of samples, preparation of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, coverslipping slides, operation of laboratory equipment, microbiological techniques, ELISA serological protocols, parasitology diagnostics, disposal of tissues, cleaning laboratory spaces and other associated activities as required.
• Safely operate and assist with lab equipment maintenance procedures including reagent change-outs and associated documentation.
• Support administrative duties by monitoring and responding to emails and phone calls, as well as accurately uploading ancillary (send-out) laboratory results into the LIMS system.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A degree or diploma in the Life Sciences (or a related field), Animal Health Technology or a Medical Laboratory Technology program is preferred, but a combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered.
• Must be willing to work in a veterinary and laboratory environment that includes handling of animal tissues.
• Experience in a laboratory setting (as part of training or in a work environment) is expected.
• Experience in a histology, cytology, bacteriology, necropsy, serology, parasitology, molecular and/or veterinary diagnostic lab setting would be considered an asset, as would experience with the associated equipment.
• Familiarity with basic anatomy, physiology, pathology and/or medical terminology would be considered an asset.
• The ability to interact with members of the public and other members of UCVM and the University community in a courteous, empathetic, and professional manner is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and function effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent communication, organization, interpersonal, and customer service skills are required.
• Strong computer skills are required, in particular, the ability to work with the Microsoft Office Suite and internet-based software systems. Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS) would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn.
• Strong attention to detail is required.

Application Deadline: May 6, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.