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
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📌 Spatial & Single Cell Omics Technician, Office of the Associate Dean Research (Alberta)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Alberta