Research Technician

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Research Technician for a project on cholesterol trafficking in neuronal cells. The candidate will handle mammalian cell culture, perform phenotypic analyses, and support lab management tasks. A BSc or MSc in Biochemistry or related field is required. The role is full-time and requires in-person work on campus. Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package included.

Benefits

Voluntary RRSP

Health and dental plans

Wellness allowance

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• Research experience through co-op work-terms or graduate research project is required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for mammalian cell culture and gene expression manipulation.
• Conduct phenotypic analyses using biochemical methods.
• Document all work comprehensively.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Phenotypic analysis

Fluorescence microscopy

Strong analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc or MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or relevant field

Job description

Research Project Cholesterol Trafficking in Neuronal Cells

Location

Posting Number

Posting Number GP85-25

Employee Group

Employee Group Grant-Paid (PSAC local 86001)

Position Type

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

Duration of Contract (if applicable) 1 year

Employment Type

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0

Salary $44,480 to $53,000 per annum

About the Organization

Based in the Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, the research project investigates late endosomal cholesterol transport, aiming to elucidate how endosomal cholesterol and cholesterol transport proteins influence different aspects of cell function. Prior work has identified two cholesterol transporters that influence proliferation and growth characteristics of neuroblastoma and breast cancer cells. This project aims to gain further insight into the mechanisms through which these cholesterol transporters influence cancer cell growth, with the ultimate goal of identifying additional potential therapeutic targets.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will be responsible for the experimental aspects of this research project, including sterile culture of established human cell lines, manipulation of transporter expression through RNA interference, CRISPR /Cas9, and/or ectopic expression of variants, followed by phenotypic analyses through biochemical and cell biology methods as well as fluorescence microscopy of fixed and live cells. The successful candidate will provide routine and non-routine technical support to the research team, and be responsible for some aspects of lab management, including inventory, safety protocols, onboarding of new lab members, and equipment maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of cell lines, manipulation of gene expression in cultured cells, production and use of lentiviruses
• Phenotypic analysis of mammalian cells using biochemical and cell biology methods, including fluorescence microscopy of fixed and live cells
• Comprehensive and clear documentation of all work carried out, participation in lab meetings.
• Maintenance of general laboratory resources, including key laboratory equipment, chemical and biological material inventories, and lab supplies.
• Development and maintenance of local risk assessments, standard operating protocols, self-audits, and other documentation as required by Environmental Health and Safety.
• Obtain and maintain safety certifications as required.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or in a relevant field.
• Research experience, as demonstrated through completion of co-op work-terms, an honours project and/or graduate research project, or equivalent.
• Research or employment experience in (1) mammalian cell culture, (2) phenotypic analysis of cultured cells, and/or (3) fluorescence microscopy.
• Strong analytical skills to rigorously and reliably carry out technical procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

Assets

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees ( PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity‑deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity‑deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .