The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Germ Free Animal Care Technician. This Full time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Scientific Director.
Germ Free Animal Care Technicians perform routine tasks of moderate complexity in animal husbandry for all areas of the IMC germ-free facility. Performance requirements must strictly follow standard operating procedures and safety standards. Some examples of duties include maintenance of isolators, isocage and experimental systems, preparation of sterile materials, and quality control.
Summary of Key Responsibilities Under general supervision & direction of the Director of the IMC, develop and implement techniques and procedures within the guidelines of the research
Standard laboratory technique, including
Microbiological sampling techniques, testing and monitoring including making culture media, nucleic acid extraction and stains (Gram stains, etc), genotyping, PCR, qPCR, aerobic and anaerobic culturing, and other protocols as required
Provides basic treatment for animals under direction of Germ-free facility director or manager, including injections, blood samples, antibiotics, euthonol, controlled drug administrations, etc
Preparation and importation into isolators of materials required for experimental procedures
Standard preparation for supplies, including
Preparation of supply drums for autoclaving (food, bedding, water, supplies)
Connecting of drums to isolators
Keep all material stocks stocked and organized
Support research staff with import of research materials
Animal Husbandry, including
Provide animal care for axenic, gnotobiotic and Level II pathogen animal models for all species of laboratory animals used in research, which includes feeding, watering and changing cages following strict germ-free and safety guidelines for prevention of exposure to microbes. Ensure adherence to the legal limit of maximal number of mice per cage according to cage type
Monitors and assesses general animal health for axenic, gnotobiotic and Level II pathogen animal models, and reports problems to the Germ-free Director, manager or Supervisors
Record keeping both manual and computer based for consistency in animal health, effective use of animal models and reporting to facility management
Sterile import of supplies into isolators including sterilization of connecting sleeves
Responsible for operation and up-keep of equipment such as but not limited to isolators, laminar flow cabinets, ventilated caging systems, autoclave, spray gun, hydrolic lifts, anaesthetic delivery systems and ventilators, biosafety cabinets, under safety guidelines. Advises supervisor of any equipment problems that require maintenance or repair
Monitoring and maintaining of the climate parameters within the animal rooms
Hygiene Responsibilities: Applies, monitors and ensures the hygiene concept
Reporting responsibilities:



Data entry and digital records for but not limited to animal husbandry, procedures and microbiology
General, safety, housekeeping duties, including
Custodial duties to maintain facility sanitation procedures (bottle washing, cage cleaning preparation, cleaning and decontamination of connection sleeves, cleaning of the rooms and floors, cleaning of showers, cleaning and autoclaving barrier shoes, preparation of barrier clothing and gear, cleaning of drums and sterilization trays, proper waste disposal, send and receive scrubs and gowns to and from washing service, receiving of goods and materials, etc)
Assist team in development and maintenance of SOP's
Work with chemicals safely and properly, e.g. dilutions, using appropriate containers and protective gear
Responsible for keeping skills up-to-date and taking courses that will assist in personal and professional development
Provide well developed and consistent technical support and animal care services to users of the Germ-free/Gnotobiotic/Level II pathogen facility and to ensure that proper procedures are followed at all times
Provides orientation and training to users of the facility and ensures standard operating procedures and approved animal care protocols are adhered to
Setting up new breeding pairs for researchers including maintaining clear records
WHMIS Qualifications / Requirements: A minimum of a Bachelor Degree in Science or Animal Health Technology equivalent
Two years technical experience working with animal research models and technical knowledge of microbiology would be considered an asset
Work experience may include but is not limited to Animal research facility, Veterinary Clinic or other animal care organizations
In-depth knowledge of theory, procedures and skills in areas of specialized husbandry and complex technical procedures
Attention to detail is crucial in following procedures and standard operating procedures
Ability to keep accurate and detailed records is essential
High degree of analytical skills is required for carrying out technical procedures with a high impact of error
Effective communication skills are required for interacting with and providing advice on technical skills to the team staff members, researchers and other facility users, in person, on the phone and email
Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite
Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept current challenges and assignments including participation and registration in the CALAS training program will be required or if RLAT designation, continued registration with CALAS
Demonstrated strong communication,



team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines
Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable
A positive attitude and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are critical to success
Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
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.
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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]).
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We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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📌 Germ Free Animal Care Technician, Physiology & Pharmacology (Alberta)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Alberta