VIDO
Research Technician - Flow Cytometry
Description
The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.
VIDO’s Flow Cytometry CORE facility is a growing shared resource laboratory that provides research support services to the scientists at VIDO and external clients. The core facility manages four flow analyzers, a cell sorter, (BD and Beckman Coulter), and three data analysis software. Our overall objective is to offer comprehensive flow cytometry services in a collaborative environment that will assist our users in that it will help users generate valid reproducible flow cytometry results. We are seeking a research technician to join our team. This position will report to the Research Scientist in flow cytometry.
Position Overview
The primary responsibilities will include operating and maintaining cell analyzers and sorters and providing training to the users.
- Perform daily setup, calibration, and routine maintenance on the flow cytometer and cell sorter as well as system maintenance and repair as needed.
- Operating high-parameter analyzers and cell sorters as required.
- Provide training and assistance to users of the flow cytometer equipment.
- Assist in experimental design, protocol development, evaluating and troubleshooting problems, data acquisition, and analysis.
- Assist with general laboratory organization and maintaining reagent inventories
- Excellent record-keeping skills and data management.
- Participate in research and development projects as needed.
- Willingness to be trained and work in a containment level 3 (CL3) lab will be an important requirement.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum diploma in biological science with 2-5 years laboratory experience. Experience in immunology, cell biology and/or medical sciences is preferred. The selected candidate must have prior lab experience working with primary cells as well as established human and animal cell lines.
- Substantial hands-on experience with cell isolation, multi-color staining, data acquisition, cell sorting (Beckman Coulter and BD Flow Cytometers) and knowledge of flow cytometry software (Flowjo, FACSDiva, CyteExpert) is required.
- The successful candidate will be able to work independently, communicate effectively, and have strong interpersonal skills to interact efficiently with a diverse group of people.
Status: 2-year term position, with the possibility of becoming permanent
Employment Group: Non-Union
Shift: Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week)
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition
Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter, CV, and the names of three references online.
Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information visit: vido.org
Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.