Laboratory Technician - Tech 4 (AESES)

Department of Food Science, University of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 3,609,000 - 5,183,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Food Science at the University of Manitoba is seeking a skilled laboratory technician with expertise in microscopy and image analysis. You will support day-to-day lab operations, manage equipment, train students, and ensure safe, organized workflows across complex imaging systems including μXRF and confocal microscopy.

Responsibilities include maintaining standard procedures, booking time on instruments, assisting with data analysis and reporting, and coordinating with

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in qualifying area (relating to microscopy, analytical chemistry) required.
• Familiarity with microscopy systems (transmitted light, reflected light, confocal, 3D microscopy) required.
• Experience in image analysis (microscopy, 3D imaging) required.
• Experience with chemicals and archaeological/geological samples is required.
• Experience in laboratory work is preferred.
• Background in XRF technology & analytical chemistry is preferred.
• Experience with purchasing systems (EPIC, Concur) or navigating new systems is preferred.
• Experience with website management/scheduling/booking systems is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years directly related experience is an asset.
• Experience handling toxic and hazardous agents is preferred.
• WHMIS Certification is preferred.
• Experience training others in the laboratory is preferred.
• Experience teaching students is preferred.
• Experience with record-keeping in a lab environment is an asset.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operation of all lab spaces, including equipment and sample organization.
• Assist in development of standard operating procedures and training materials for lab safety and methods.
• Manage activities that use laboratory technologies to support research and training.
• Facilitate and support research projects through experimental design, implementation, and data analysis.
• Coordinate and schedule user time on instrumentation; maintain booking system for equitable access.
• Track instrument usage and service work; manage user fees for sustainability.
• Regularly report to the PS+ RG Director regarding ongoing activities.
• Train and assist users on equipment and supervise student researchers.
• Establish and improve sample preparation and processing techniques.

Skills

Microscopy systems

Image analysis

Laboratory work

Team collaboration

Training others

Attention to detail

Organization

Record-keeping

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

EPIC

Concur

Lab booking system

Job description

Salary: $26.20 to $37.62 per hourplus vacation pay

Expected Start Date September 8, 2026

840 hours worked

Qualifications

MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION/TRAINING:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in qualifying area (relating to microscopy, analytical chemistry) required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Familiarity in working with / managing microscopy systems (transmitted light, reflected light, confocal, 3D microscopy) is required.
• Experience in image analysis (microscopy, 3D imaging) is required.
• Experience working with chemicals and archaeological / geological samples is required.
• Previous experience in laboratory work is preferred.
• Background in XRF technology & / analytical chemistry is preferred.
• Experience with EPIC, Concur or comparable purchasing systems or demonstrated technical background for navigating new systems is preferred.
• Experience with website management, scheduling / booking systems is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years directly related experience is an asset.
• Experience handling toxic and hazardous agents is preferred.
• WHMIS Certification is preferred.
• Experience in training others in the laboratory setting is preferred.
• Experience in teaching students preferred.
• Experience related to record-keeping in a lab environment is an asset.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to adapt techniques, to plan and carry out experiments and procedures under general direction and to keep within scheduling guidelines is required.
• Initiative and ability to master new and difficult techniques through further education and training is required.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team is required.
• Previous experience in a research laboratory with microscopic imaging components is required.
• Excellent manual dexterity to perform the various sample processing techniques is required.
• Experience with resin/epoxy embedding of sample material for sectioning is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully organize a research laboratory is required.
• Ability to collaborate with others of various levels of expertise is required.
• Ability to relate well to students and staff is required.
• Must be exceptionally well organized and keep proper records.
• Knowledge of University of Manitoba systems and processes is preferred.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.
• The position requires attention to detail and the ability to work independently once trained in the routine tasks for the position.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

OTHER JOB RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Presentation of data at national and international conferences.
• Published data in geological & / anthropological journals.
• Experience working with ancient, valuable, & / valuable samples (paleontological, archaeological)

Key responsibilities

• Technician who would be familiar with all systems in the laboratories, including thin sectioning ahead of imaging, confocal light microscopy (BX 51 system), confocal profilometry, μXRF, 3D structured light scanning and 3D microscopy, and 3D stereolithography printing. This technician would ideally have specialized skills in μXRF. In their role they would:
• Support the day-to-day operation of all lab space, including organisation of equipment and samples, ensuring a safe and clean working environment.
• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures and materials for training of undergraduate and graduate students in lab safety and methods.
• Manage the range of activities that use the laboratory technologies in support of research and training.
• Facilitate and support research projects through experimental design, implementation, and data analysis.
• Coordinate / schedule user time on all instrumentation and access to the laboratories. Maintain a booking system for equitable access and facilitate access hours to ensure that facilities are aligned with best EDI practices; administer student access and keyholding.
• Track instrument usage to predict future needs for use, maintenance, and budget management. Keep records of instrument time and service work. Includes managing user fees in support of sustainability.
• Regularly report (bi-weekly) to the PS+ RG Director regarding all ongoing activities.
• Train and assist all users on the equipment and supervise equipment use.
• Supervise student research assistants (SRA’s) while they are working with the equipment and be available to troubleshoot any issues arising.
• Establish and improve sample preparation and processing techniques.
• Prepare and standardize chemical solutions and prepare solutions/media.
• Monitor and maintain stock of consumables for general maintenance of all systems and for coordinating servicing as needed. Ensure supplies and/or media are maintained at an adequate level. Order and maintain a budget for all technical related purchases relating to the job description.
• Assist with website maintenance, social media, raising laboratory visibility.
• Be responsible for EHS compliance (e.g., chemical and biosafety permits, student WHMIS training, chemical storage, valid CPR-AED, fire warden). Routinely cleans glassware and instruments and maintains a safe working environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional information

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.