Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 30

Level: N

Please note, this position is a 16-month temporary full-time contract opportunity that is wholly grant funded.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and current ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology is the largest basic medical science department within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Its mission is to carry out world-class scientific research and evidence-based teaching. The department has award-winning teachers who are committed to delivering high-quality and innovative education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, the department has a strong focus on research excellence with faculty members recognized internationally for their achievements.

The mission of the Dagnino laboratory is to understand the basis of epithelial tissue development, maintenance, regeneration after injury and neoplastic transformation.

Responsibilities

The Research Technician will work under the direction of a Principal Investigator (PI), and in collaboration with research staff and trainees, to prepare and conduct specialized laboratory experiments and techniques following established protocols and procedures in support of biomedical research investigating biological processes involved in skin maintenance, injury responses, and skin tumour formation. The role will maintain and conduct experimental studies using mouse and human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal cell models, perform cellular, molecular, imaging, and biochemical analyses, and contribute to the collection, quality control, and interpretation of research data.



The Research Technician will also assist with laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, health and safety compliance, and provide training and technical guidance to students and laboratory personnel to support the achievement of research objectives.

Qualifications

Education:

- 4 year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in a relevant biomedical field required
- Master of Science (MSc) degree in relevant Biomedical field preferred

Experience:

- 1 year of experience working within a relevant research laboratory environment including extensive experience working with epidermal biology experimental systems, specifically culturing epidermal and dermal cell lines
- Experience using fluorescence, bright field and phase-contrast microscopy in particular Leica-based microscopy imaging systems, including image acquisition and processing

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Familiarity with epidermal keratinocyte culture methodology with extensive experience using cell culture equipment is essential
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and with FIJI, Adobe Illustrator, and Volocity software required with the ability to learn and use additional software programs
- Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
- Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
- Ability to identify key results from research, maintain clear, thorough, and up-to-date records of laboratory work, and to summarize research findings
- Verbal and written communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience, with an ability to complete analytics and reports




- 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 data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
- Ability to follow formal processes and protocols with high attention to detail
- Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities with the ability to maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the experimental requirements of research being conducted
- Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve research 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.

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 hidden).

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.

📌 Research Technician I (Canada)
🏢 Western University
📍 Canada