Research Technician

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University in Halifax is seeking a Research Technician to support two projects on neutral lipid metabolism in mammalian cells. Under the Principal Investigator, you will perform cell-based biochemical assays, imaging, and data analysis to study TAG hydrolysis, cholesterol biosynthesis, and lipid droplet dynamics.

You will maintain cell lines, prepare samples, conduct radiolabelled lipid assays, quantify protein S-palmitoylation, and document results with careful records.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related discipline plus at least one year of related research-laboratory experience
• Hands-on experience measuring protein S-palmitoylation and using acyl-biotin exchange or metabolic labelling/click chemistry
• Experience with protein quantification, affinity enrichment, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and fluorescence microscopy

Responsibilities

• Maintain, passage, treat and manipulate mammalian cell lines using aseptic techniques.
• Collect and preserve cells and subcellular samples for analyses; perform biological replicates and controls.
• Measure protein S-palmitoylation using acyl-biotin exchange or labelling workflows; perform SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting.
• Conduct lipid synthesis and lipase assays using radiolabelled acetate and triolein.
• Acquire fluorescence and FLIM-FRET data; analyze lipid droplet morphology and protein localization.
• Maintain accurate records and present progress at lab meetings

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Lab techniques

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in cell biology/biochemistry/molecular biology

Tools

SDS-PAGE

Immunoblotting

Confocal microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy

FLIM-FRET analysis

Job description

Research Project Regulation of neutral lipid storage and production in mammalian cells

Department/Unit

Department/Unit Pathology

Location

Posting Number

Posting Number S331-26

Employee Group

Employee Group Grant-Paid (PSAC Local 86001)

Position Type

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

Duration of Contract (if applicable) 9 months

Employment Type

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0

Salary

$49,904 - $63,173 per annum based on 35 hours per week, prorated to $37,428 - $47,380

Classification

Provisional Statement

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Under the Principal Investigator, the research will have broad aims focusing on the hydrolysis of TAG in lipid droplets and cholesterol synthesis. Elements of the research will examine the translational control of cholesterol biosynthetic enzymes and the post-translational regulation of lipases. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will conduct cell-based biochemical assays and microscopy to support two projects examining neutral lipid metabolism.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, passage, treat and experimentally manipulate mammalian cell lines using aseptic technique and approved protocols. Conduct cell-based assays to examine cholesterol synthesis and uptake, neutral lipid storage, lipid droplet turnover and lipase activity.
• Collect and preserve cells and subcellular samples for biochemical, imaging and downstream analyses. Perform biological replicates and appropriate controls, monitor assay quality and repeat experiments when required.
• Measure protein S-palmitoylation using acyl-biotin exchange ( ABE ) and metabolic labelling/click-chemistry workflows. Prepare cell lysates and perform protein quantification, affinity enrichment, protein electrophoresis ( SDS - PAGE ), immunoblotting and quantitative analysis.
• Conduct lipid synthesis and lipase assays using radiolabelled acetate and triolein under approved radiation-safety protocols. Prepare radioactive samples, perform extractions and scintillation counting, calculate isotope incorporation or substrate hydrolysis.
• Prepare live or fixed mammalian-cell samples and acquire conventional fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime microscopy ( FLIM - FRET ) data. Analyze fluorescence lifetimes and FRET responses and quantify lipid droplet abundance, morphology and protein localization using appropriate software.
• Maintain accurate, timely and traceable laboratory records, including raw data, calculations, isotope records and protocol deviations. Analyze experimental data, prepare summary graphs and figures, and present progress at laboratory meetings.

Note

The incumbent will be required to work for periods at biosafety cabinets on a daily basis. In addition, they will be required to handle Biosafety Level 2 cell lines, viruses, bacteria, and radioisotopes, which will require PPE and may be considered a hazard or danger to the incumbenton a daily basis.
Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related discipline plus at least one year of related research-laboratory experience, including independent hands-on mammalian cell culture (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience measuring protein S-palmitoylation using acyl-biotin exchange or metabolic labelling/click chemistry; with confocal microscopy; and conducting radioisotope-based lipid metabolism assays using radiolabelled acetate and triolein, including sample preparation, scintillation counting and radiation-safety procedures.
• Experience with protein quantification, affinity enrichment, SDS - PAGE , immunoblotting, fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, organization, time management and commitment to accurate record keeping as well as the ability to work independently within established protocols.
• Effective collaboration and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Required institutional biosafety, WHMIS , laboratory safety and radiation-safety training must be completed or maintained as a condition of employment.
• Ability to life up to approximately 10 kg on a weekly basis.

Assets

• Master of Science in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with super-resolution and analysis of FLIM - FRET data.

Competencies

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication

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.
Full-time students currently enrolled at an educational institution are not eligible for regular Grant-Paid positions.
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 review our Employment Equity information.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 .

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter