Senior Bacteriology Technician, Diagnostic Services Unit

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary’s Diagnostic Services Unit within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Senior Bacteriology Technician. This full-time fixed-term position is for about 12 months with possible extension, working under the Bacteriology Laboratory Supervisor.

The role emphasizes culture, identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and molecular methods across diverse specimens, with a strong focus on quality controls and safety.

Qualifications

• Two years of diagnostic microbiology experience required, veterinary lab experience preferred.
• Strong molecular and microbiological techniques with attention to safety and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and service activities of the DSU under day-to-day direction.
• Select culture media and incubation environments based on specimen and suspected pathogen.
• Identify pathogens across mammalian, avian, and environmental samples; test antibiotic susceptibility.
• Isolate and identify fungal pathogens using culture techniques, biochemical tests, and DNA analysis.
• Maintain and review results in the Laboratory Information System; present results to supervisors.
• Apply molecular diagnostics for detection of pathogens and participate in QA/QC programs.

Skills

Molecular techniques

Microbiology

Lab safety

Quality control

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Description

The Diagnostic Services Unit in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Senior Bacteriology Technician. This Full-time Fixed Termposition is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Manager, DSU Laboratories and receiving day-to-day direction from the Bacteriology Laboratory Supervisor, the Senior Bacteriology Technician carries out various activities that support the microbiology lab.

This position requires effective communication skills, and all work accountabilities must be carried out with a high degree of competency, professionalism, and accuracy. The successful candidate must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also working effectively as a team member. Attention to detail is crucial regarding standard operating procedures. The work is of varying complexity, with peak periods and short timelines for completion.

The laboratory work environment has the inherent potential for exposure to dangerous materials and situations; however, risk of exposure or injury is substantially decreased through application of safe work practices and protocols.

The hours of work are normally Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. Scheduling may vary on occasion; therefore, flexibility is required. There is a Saturday shift rotation schedule that is required to be shared among the technicians.

The position is based out of the Clinical Skills Building (CSB) at the Spy Hill Campus, but travel to Foothills Campus may be required.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Works as part of a team to support the teaching and service activities of the DSU. Responsible for working effectively under the day-to-day direction of the Bacteriology Laboratory Supervisor, and mentorship by the Clinical Microbiologist
• Selects appropriate culture media and incubation environments for the growth of microbial pathogens based upon animal species, type of tissue submission and suspected bacterial pathogen
• Identifies pathogens in a wide variety of mammalian, avian, and environmental specimens. Tests pathogens for antibiotic susceptibility
• Isolates and identifies pathogenic fungi by using appropriate culture techniques, biochemical tests, morphological identification, and DNA analysis
• Maintains, records and reviews results from biological and physical testing of each submission into the Laboratory Information System. Presents results to the Microbiologist or Veterinary Pathologist
• Use molecular diagnostic methods for detection and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens, including determining the presence/absence of different genes
• Participates in development and adherence to quality assurance / quality control program for Bacteriology lab, including writing, reviewing and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS). Develops and validates new methods initiated by the Clinical Microbiologist
• Maintains inventory of all stock bacterial and fungal references and ATCC strains
• Maintains inventory for culture media, antibiotics, commercial identifications systems, biochemical tests, and reagents
• Oversees maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment and performs associated documentation of any work, alterations, enhancements, and calibrations performed
• Observes appropriate biosecurity procedures for invasive and pathogenic bacteria, many of which are zoonotic
• Disposes of pathogens by sterilization, incineration and medical waste companies; washes, prepares and sterilizes lab glassware
• Identify problems and take appropriate action to resolve them independently or seek the advice of the appropriate person
• Demonstrates flexibility and adjusts levels of service delivery to meet the timelines and varying peaks in workload. Must be willing to train and support in other microbiology laboratory sections

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science-CSMLS), Medical Technologist (MT) (American Medical Technologists-AMT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) (ASCP), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) (ASCP) is preferred. A Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• A minimum of two years of experience in diagnostic microbiology is required, preferably in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory
• Knowledge of molecular and microbiological techniques
• Proficient in the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of diagnostic laboratory equipment or a willingness to learn is required
• Ability to push, pull, lift or carry moderate weight- 20-40 lbs
• The ability to work with computers and knowledge of or ability to learn management of electronic records or databases is required
• Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS) would be considered an asset
• Sound knowledge of the principles of sanitation and disinfection or a willingness to learn is required
• Understanding and ability to work using industry specific laboratory safety standards
• Demonstrated ability to function as a productive team member as well as work independently is required
• Excellent communication (written and oral), organization, interpersonal, and customer service skills are required
• Personable and able to respond professionally when faced with multiple demands and short timelines
  

Application Deadline: August 25, 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 2.

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 ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

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.