Spatial & Single Cell Omics Technician, Office of the Associate Dean Research

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary invites applications for a Spatial & Single Cell Omics Technician in the Cumming School of Medicine. This full-time fixed-term role is for approximately 12 months, with potential extension depending on grant funding.

The technologist will work in a fee-for-service core facility, handling multiple concurrent projects with strict documentation and sample custody requirements. Excellent troubleshooting and communication with researchers are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, biotechnology or a related life-science discipline
• At least three years of directly related laboratory experience with next-generation sequencing and molecular biology workflows
• Experience in a core facility, clinical research laboratory or other multi-user service environment is preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, document and track tissue, cell, DNA and RNA samples according to ASOC procedures and project specifications
• Assess sample and tissue suitability using established acceptance criteria, microscopy and nucleic acid quality-control methods; document findings and consult on samples that fall outside specifications
• Perform established spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics and single-cell
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, quantification, normalization, amplification and library preparation using manual and automated methods
• Maintain sample identity, orientation, metadata and chain-of-custody records throughout processing
• Work with ASOC staff and users to ensure sequencing plans are appropriate for the spatial assay, library structure, required read configuration, expected data volume and downstream analysis pathway
• Transfer spatial and single-cell omics outputs to approved storage and analysis environments, verify file completeness and maintain accurate data-delivery records
• Prepare, normalize and pool sequencing libraries using validated protocols and project-specific index information
• Perform sequencing library quality control using electrophoretic, fluorometric and/or qPCR-based methods, and confirm readiness for pooling and sequencing
• Create and verify sample sheets, run configurations and instrument workflows, including index orientation, read structure and demultiplexing requirements
• Set up, operate and monitor the Illumina NovaSeq X series and other high-throughput sequencing instruments used by ASOC or partner core facilities
• Perform routine instrument cleaning, maintenance, calibration and operational checks; maintain service records and coordinate technical support when required
• Transfer sequencing output to approved storage and analysis environments, verify file completeness and maintain accurate data-delivery records
• Review quality-control results at defined checkpoints and document decisions, deviations and corrective actions
• Troubleshoot routine sample, reagent, assay, software and instrument problems using established decision paths, prior run information and vendor guidance
• Investigate discrepancies in collaboration with the ASOC Manager and escape issues that fall outside validated limits or delegated authority
• Contribute technical observations and test results to validation, verification and method-comparison activities led by senior staff
• Explain ASOC sample requirements, submission processes, workflow stages and routine technical limitations to researchers and trainees
• Provide task-specific demonstrations and hands-on instruction in approved procedures, instrument use and laboratory documentation
• Communicate sample concerns, technical findings, delays and next steps clearly and promptly, referring project-design or interpretive questions to the appropriate scientific or bioinformatics lead
• Maintain complete records in laboratory information, project-tracking, inventory and billing-support systems
• Monitor reagent and consumable inventories, confirm lot and expiry information, anticipate requirements for scheduled projects and sequencing runs, and identify purchasing needs to the ASOC Manager
• Draft and revise technical work instructions, checklists and standard operating procedures for review and approval
• Participate in equipment qualification, quality-assurance activities and implementation of approved technologies and workflow changes

Skills

Spatial omics

Single-cell omics

Sample handling

Quality-control

Documentation

Lab safety

Education

Master's degree in life sciences

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related field

Tools

Illumina sequencing instruments

NovaSeq X series

Automated liquid handling systems

Job description

The Office of the Associate Dean Research in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Spatial & Single Cell Omics Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This is a hands-on technical position in a fee-for-service core facility. Work involves multiple concurrent projects at different stages, strict chain-of-custody and documentation requirements, and careful handling of limited or irreplaceable research samples. The technologist selects and applies established procedures according to sample type, platform requirements and project specifications. Judgment is required when assessing sample suitability, interpreting quality-control results, adjusting work within validated parameters and determining when a deviation requires consultation with the ASOC Manager, scientific lead or instrument vendor.

The role works closely with ASOC staff, researchers, trainees, bioinformatics personnel, other CSM core facilities and external technical support. The incumbent explains sample requirements, provides task-specific instruction on approved procedures and contributes observations to workflow improvements.

Regular hours are normally Monday to Friday. Occasional early morning, evening or weekend work may be required to complete time-sensitive protocols, monitor instrument runs or respond to equipment issues. The laboratory environment includes prolonged standing or sitting, repetitive pipetting, handling of biological specimens and chemicals, and use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Projects.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Spatial Omics and Single-cell Omics Workflows

• Receive, verify, document and track tissue, cell, DNA and RNA samples according to ASOC procedures and project specifications
• Assess sample and tissue suitability using established acceptance criteria, microscopy and nucleic acid quality-control methods; document findings and consult on samples that fall outside specifications
• Perform established spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics and single-cell
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, quantification, normalization, amplification and library preparation using manual and automated methods
• Maintain sample identity, orientation, metadata and chain-of-custody records throughout processing
• Work with ASOC staff and users to ensure that sequencing plans are appropriate for the spatial assay, library structure, required read configuration, expected data volume and downstream analysis pathway
• Transfer spatial and single-cell omics outputs to approved storage and analysis environments, verify file completeness and maintain accurate data-delivery records

Next-Generation Sequencing

• Prepare, normalize and pool sequencing libraries using validated protocols and project-specific index information
• Perform sequencing library quality control using established electrophoretic, fluorometric and/or qPCR-based methods, and confirm readiness for pooling and sequencing according to defined acceptance criteria
• Create and verify sample sheets, run configurations and instrument workflows, including index orientation, read structure and demultiplexing requirements
• Set up, operate and monitor the Illumina NovaSeq X series and other high-throughput sequencing instruments used by ASOC or partner core facilities
• Perform routine instrument cleaning, maintenance, calibration and operational checks; maintain service records and coordinate technical support when required
• Transfer sequencing output to approved storage and analysis environments, verify file completeness and maintain accurate data-delivery records
• Technical Quality and Troubleshooting
• Review quality-control results at defined checkpoints and document decisions, deviations and corrective actions
• Troubleshoot routine sample, reagent, assay, software and instrument problems using established decision paths, prior run information and vendor guidance
• Investigate discrepancies in collaboration with the ASOC Manager and escape issues that fall outside validated limits or delegated authority
• Contribute technical observations and test results to validation, verification and method-comparison activities led by senior staff

User Support and Training

• Explain ASOC sample requirements, submission processes, workflow stages and routine technical limitations to researchers and trainees
• Provide task-specific demonstrations and hands-on instruction in approved procedures, instrument use and laboratory documentation
• Communicate sample concerns, technical findings, delays and next steps clearly and promptly, referring project-design or interpretive questions to the appropriate scientific or bioinformatics lead

Laboratory Operations and Documentation

• Maintain complete records in laboratory information, project-tracking, inventory and billing-support systems
• Monitor reagent and consumable inventories, confirm lot and expiry information, anticipate requirements for scheduled projects and sequencing runs, and identify purchasing needs to the ASOC Manager
• Draft and revise technical work instructions, checklists and standard operating procedures for review and approval
• Participate in equipment qualification, quality-assurance activities and implementation of approved technologies and workflow changes

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Master’s (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, biotechnology or a related life-science discipline
• At least three years of directly related laboratory experience with next-generation sequencing and molecular biology workflows
• Experience in a core facility, clinical research laboratory or other multi-user service environment is preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered
• Technical Knowledge
  • Spatial omics and single cell omics
  • Sample preparation and handling relevant to spatial transcriptomics/spatial omics and single-cell genomics, including tissue or cell-based workflows
  • Familiarity with spatial transcriptomics/spatial omics platforms, assay workflows, slide/tissue preparation, imaging-associated workflows and/or spatial library preparation
  • Experience with 10x Genomics instruments is considered an asset
  • Familiarity with single-cell RNA‑seq and related single-cell library preparation workflows, including cell handling, dissociation, capture/barcoding and library preparation
  • Understanding of technical factors affecting spatial and single‑cell assays, including sample quality, assay performance, library complexity, sequencing depth and sources of technical variation
• Next Generation Sequencing
  • Demonstrated experience with DNA and RNA extraction, quantification, quality assessment, amplification and next-generation sequencing library preparation
  • Hands‑on experience operating Illumina sequencing instruments. Experience with the NovaSeq X series is strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of sequencing principles relevant to genomic assays, including library structure, indexing, read configuration, multiplexing, sequencing depth, run metrics and sources of technical variation
  • Experience with automated liquid handling systems and high-throughput sequencing library preparation, normalization and pooling workflows is preferred
  • Experience with sequencing library quality control, including electrophoretic, fluorometric and qPCR-based methods, is preferred
• Data Quality and Laboratory Operations
  • Working knowledge of laboratory quality systems, contamination control, biosafety, chemical safety and accurate research documentation
  • Comfort working with laboratory information systems, instrument software, Microsoft 365 applications and structured electronic records
  • Knowledge of sequencing file formats, demultiplexing, FASTQ generation and basic sequencing quality control
  • Familiarity with Linux command-line tools and command-line-based sequencing data analysis is an asset
• Required Capabilities
  • Applies specialized technical knowledge to perform complex procedures accurately and consistently
  • Works independently within established protocols, priorities and delegated authority while knowing when to seek guidance
  • Uses sound judgment to assess sample quality, interpret routine technical results and resolve common workflow problems
  • Organizes concurrent work, meets time-sensitive protocol requirements and adjusts priorities in consultation with the manager
  • Maintains close attention to sample identity, documentation, calculations and data integrity
  • Communicates technical information clearly to users with different levels of laboratory experience
  • Works constructively with colleagues and adapts as instruments, assays and operational priorities change

Application Deadline: October 27, 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.

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.