Description

The Department of Cardiac Sciences in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension. This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The position applies knowledge of molecular medicine, cell and tissue culture, histology, animal research and quantitative data analysis to support experiments established by the Principal Investigator(s) and senior laboratory members.

Work requires sustained attention, periods of standing and adherence to laboratory safety and animal care procedures.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Experimental Research and Sample Preparation:

- Carry out molecular and cellular experiments under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with senior laboratory members
- Prepare samples and perform RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR, Western blotting and other assigned assays according to established protocols
- Establish and maintain cell and tissue cultures; conduct approved treatment or drug exposure experiments and assess tissue morphology, development and viability
- Dissect murine tissues and prepare samples for culture, histological processing and downstream analysis following training and approved procedures
- Process and embed tissue, prepare microtome sections, perform H&E; and immunofluorescence staining, and scan slides for analysis
- Perform TUNEL, reactive oxygen species and other established cellular assays as required by assigned projects
- Support extracellular vesicle preparation and characterization when required by the research program

Animal Research Support:





- Coordinate animal orders and breeding preparations with the supervisor and animal care personnel to meet experimental timelines
- Handle mice and perform authorized procedures, including euthanasia, only after completing required training and approvals
- Maintain accurate animal and procedure records and promptly report welfare concerns or unexpected events through the designated channels

Data Analysis Documentation and Communication:

- Maintain complete laboratory records, sample identifiers, experimental conditions and organized electronic data files
- Perform quantitative histological and assay analysis and prepare graphs and statistical summaries using GraphPad Prism and RStudio under research team guidance
- Support RNA sequencing data analysis where relevant to assigned projects and prepare clear summaries for review
- Participate in laboratory meetings, communicate progress and technical issues, and assist with literature reviews and preparation of methods and results for reports or publications

Laboratory Operations and Team Support:

- Prepare reagents, maintain supplies and sample inventories, and assist with ordering and scheduling experimental work
- Operate equipment safely, perform routine cleaning and maintenance within training, and report faults requiring specialist support




- Keep work areas clean and organized and follow procedures for storage, labelling and disposal of biological and chemical materials

Qualifications / Requirements:

- Bachelors degree in Molecular Medicine or a related discipline is an asset
- A Masters degree in Molecular Medicine or a related field is required
- Hands-on academic or industry research experience in molecular and cellular biology, including execution of established protocols and accurate recording of experimental results
- Experience with murine tissue dissection, ex vivo tissue culture and histological experiments. Experience in ovarian tissue or reproductive biology is an asset
- Experience with RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR and Western blotting
- Experience with cell culture and in vitro tissue culture, including preparation, maintenance and assessment of cultures
- Experience with tissue processing, paraffin embedding, microtome sectioning, H&E; staining, immunofluorescence staining and digital slide scanning
- Experience with morphological and histological analysis and cellular assays such as TUNEL and reactive oxygen species assays
- Experience handling mice, supporting breeding coordination and performing euthanasia under approved protocols and appropriate training
- Ability to organize and analyze experimental data using GraphPad Prism and RStudio. Familiarity with RNA sequencing data analysis and Python is an asset
- Experience with extracellular vesicle enrichment and nanoparticle tracking analysis is an asset
- Ability to follow and validate experimental protocols, recognize technical issues and carry out standard troubleshooting within established guideli

📌 Research Technician, Cardiac Sciences (Calgary)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Calgary