Research Technician

WESTERN UNIVERSITY; London; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Western University in London, Ontario seeks a Research Technician for the Klein Lab in Microbiology & Immunology. You will perform and record experiments under a Principal Investigator, optimize protocols, and utilize touchscreen-based behavioural systems in CL2/CL3 facilities.

You will also assist with data analysis, collaborate with researchers, and help train students while ensuring lab safety and compliance with Western policies.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience working in a research-intensive laboratory environment conducting touchscreen analysis with mice.
• Excellent troubleshooting ability in technical support and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced research setting.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills for research findings.
• Verbal and written communication skills to document technical information.

Responsibilities

• Run mouse behaviour experiments using Second Generation Bussey-Saksida Touchscreens in CL2/CL3 facilities.
• Conduct Open Field, Barnes Maze, and Novel Object Recognition tests in CL2 facilities.
• Compile, analyze and present results to advance the research program.
• Train and oversee students and ensure safety standards are met in the lab.
• Support operation, troubleshooting and servicing of specialized equipment and instrumentation.

Skills

Lab experience

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology

Job description

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Please note, this is a wholly grant funded position.

About Western

Withan international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

Microbiology & Immunology is a vibrant Department of scholarly activity offering a stimulatingand dynamic environment attractive to outstanding students and leading researchers. TheDepartment of Microbiology & Immunology is a core department of the Schulich School ofMedicine & Dentistry and places a special emphasis on biomedical research and teaching witha focus on human disease, infection, and immunity.

The mission of the Klein Lab is to define mechanisms the contribute to altered brain function after exposure to emerging RNA viruses. The lab uses in vitro and in vivo models to examine how viruses disrupt the blood brain barrier, promote microglia and astrocyte activation, and disrupt synapses and adult neurogenesis in the forebrain. We also collaborate with PET chemists and neuroimagers to identify prognostic biomarkers that can be used to follow treatments. Central to our work is the use of genetically modified mice to trace molecular mechanisms that contribute to post-viral cognitive dysfunction.

Responsibilities

The Research Technician will perform and record the results of experiments under the supervision of a Principal Investigator. The role will make recommendations for, and assist with determining, the optimal protocols and equipment for use in the conduct of experiments, including running mouse behaviour experiments using Second Generation Bussey-Saksida Touchscreens within CL2 and CL3 facilities, as well as conducting additional behavioural testing such as the Open Field Test (OFT), Barnes Maze, and Novel Object Recognition (NOR) tests within the CL2 facility. The Research Technician will participate in the compilation, analysis and presentation of results for dissemination, including analyzing and presenting all data generated from behavioural experiments to advance the research program. The role will work in collaboration to support the effective operation of the laboratory, train and oversee students, and ensure safety standards are met, particularly within regulated CL2 and CL3 environments.

The role will support research through assisting with the operation, troubleshooting and servicing of specialized equipment and instrumentation, including touchscreen-based behavioural systems, to advance the research.

Qualifications

Education:

• 4 year University Bachelor's Degree in Biology required

Experience:

• 2 years of experience working in a research-intensive laboratory environment conducting touchscreen analysis with mice required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to work with contagious, chemical, biological and/or hazardous substances is required
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Knowledge of behavioral 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 preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Knowledge of associated risks in a research environment with the ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Verbal and written communication skills with an ability to document technical information
• Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations
• 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 work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, in Adobe Illustrator and using research software (such as Mousebytes) with the ability to learn and use software programs
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Demonstrated ability take initiative, to work independently and follow through on work assignments
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
• Ability to identify key results from research and to summarize and draft reports on research findings
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current police information record check from a police service prior to commencing employment.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
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 [phone].

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.