Research Technician, Cardiac Sciences

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Calgary, Department of Cardiac Sciences, invites applications for a Research Technician. This full-time fixed-term role (1 year, with possible extension) supports PI-led projects involving molecular medicine, cell culture, histology, and data analysis.

You will work with mice, tissue processing, RNA sequencing analysis and contribute to grants and publications. Requirements include a Master’s in Molecular Medicine and hands-on experience with RT-qPCR, Western blotting, tissue

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Medicine is an asset.
• Master's degree in Molecular Medicine is required.
• Hands-on research in molecular/cellular biology and protocols.
• Experience with murine tissue dissection and ex vivo culture is an asset.
• Experience with RNA purification, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.
• Experience with cell culture and tissue culture maintenance.
• Familiarity with RNA sequencing data analysis and Python is an asset.
• Good organization and ability to document results with graphs.

Responsibilities

• Carry out molecular and cellular experiments under supervision of the PI and senior lab members.
• Prepare samples for RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.
• Maintain cell and tissue cultures; conduct treatment or drug exposure experiments and assess morphology.
• Dissect murine tissues and prepare for culture, histology and downstream analysis.
• Process and embed tissue, prepare slides for H&E and immunofluorescence staining.
• Perform cellular assays and extracellular vesicle work as required by projects.
• Coordinate animal orders and breeding with supervisor and animal care personnel.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Histology

RNA purification

RT-qPCR

Western blotting

Mouse handling

Data analysis

RNA sequencing analysis

Education

Master's in Molecular Medicine

Bachelor's in Molecular Medicine

Tools

GraphPad Prism

RStudio

Job description

Description

The Department of Cardiac Sciences in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension. This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The position applies knowledge of molecular medicine, cell and tissue culture, histology, animal research and quantitative data analysis to support experiments established by the Principal Investigator(s) and senior laboratory members.

Work requires sustained attention, periods of standing and adherence to laboratory safety and animal care procedures.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Experimental Research and Sample Preparation:

• Carry out molecular and cellular experiments under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with senior laboratory members
• Prepare samples and perform RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR, Western blotting and other assigned assays according to established protocols
• Establish and maintain cell and tissue cultures; conduct approved treatment or drug exposure experiments and assess tissue morphology, development and viability
• Dissect murine tissues and prepare samples for culture, histological processing and downstream analysis following training and approved procedures
• Process and embed tissue, prepare microtome sections, perform H&E and immunofluorescence staining, and scan slides for analysis
• Perform TUNEL, reactive oxygen species and other established cellular assays as required by assigned projects
• Support extracellular vesicle preparation and characterization when required by the research program

Animal Research Support:

• Coordinate animal orders and breeding preparations with the supervisor and animal care personnel to meet experimental timelines
• Handle mice and perform authorized procedures, including euthanasia, only after completing required training and approvals
• Maintain accurate animal and procedure records and promptly report welfare concerns or unexpected events through the designated channels

Data Analysis Documentation and Communication:

• Maintain complete laboratory records, sample identifiers, experimental conditions and organized electronic data files
• Perform quantitative histological and assay analysis and prepare graphs and statistical summaries using GraphPad Prism and RStudio under research team guidance
• Support RNA sequencing data analysis where relevant to assigned projects and prepare clear summaries for review
• Participate in laboratory meetings, communicate progress and technical issues, and assist with literature reviews and preparation of methods and results for reports or publications

Laboratory Operations and Team Support:

• Prepare reagents, maintain supplies and sample inventories, and assist with ordering and scheduling experimental work
• Operate equipment safely, perform routine cleaning and maintenance within training, and report faults requiring specialist support
• Keep work areas clean and organized and follow procedures for storage, labelling and disposal of biological and chemical materials

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Molecular Medicine or a related discipline is an asset
• A Masters degree in Molecular Medicine or a related field is required
• Hands-on academic or industry research experience in molecular and cellular biology, including execution of established protocols and accurate recording of experimental results
• Experience with murine tissue dissection, ex vivo tissue culture and histological experiments. Experience in ovarian tissue or reproductive biology is an asset
• Experience with RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR and Western blotting
• Experience with cell culture and in vitro tissue culture, including preparation, maintenance and assessment of cultures
• Experience with tissue processing, paraffin embedding, microtome sectioning, H&E staining, immunofluorescence staining and digital slide scanning
• Experience with morphological and histological analysis and cellular assays such as TUNEL and reactive oxygen species assays
• Experience handling mice, supporting breeding coordination and performing euthanasia under approved protocols and appropriate training
• Ability to organize and analyze experimental data using GraphPad Prism and RStudio. Familiarity with RNA sequencing data analysis and Python is an asset
• Experience with extracellular vesicle enrichment and nanoparticle tracking analysis is an asset
• Ability to follow and validate experimental protocols, recognize technical issues and carry out standard troubleshooting within established guidelines
• Training in laboratory animal science and laboratory safety; must complete University-specific training and procedure authorizations before undertaking assigned work
• Strong attention to detail, organization and time management, with the ability to coordinate preparations and meet experimental timelines

Application Deadline

November 13, 2026

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.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About The University Of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.