Chemical Lab Sampler - Nanaimo, BC, Canada - Vancouver Island University

Description

Duties:
The Biology Department is looking for two technicians to join its team.

The selected candidates will facilitate the delivery of laboratory and research components of the Biology program, and will support faculty and students in a range of activities.

The selected candidates will be expected to provide support for all course offerings in the Biology Department, including field support when necessary.

One candidate will have a specific focus on Microbiology courses.

The other candidate will have a more general biological background to support various courses, including introductory biology, human anatomy and physiology, and botany.

The successful candidates will both have excellent bench, communication, managerial, and interpersonal skills, have exceptional organizational ability and a keen sense for detail, and take great pride in their work.

Below is a list of qualifications for both positions; applicants do not need experience in all the duties listed below.

There can be an overlap in the qualifications for either position, so we encourage all eligible applicants to apply.


Primary duties:
# Preparation of materials used in or related to the lab courses; and set-up, take-down and clean-up of laboratory equipment and materials.
# Maintain instructional supplies and equipment by procuring and purchasing supplies and equipment, as necessary; assisting instructors and students in obtaining course and project materials; and maintaining departmental equipment in proper condition and calibration.
# Assist instructors in securing internal biosafety permits, when required.
# Contribute to the general operation and maintenance of the biology prep-room and laboratory facilities, including organization and care of common storage and work areas; maintenance and documentation of chemical and hazardous materials inventories; maintenance of procedural notes related to preparation for laboratory activities, etc.; and monitoring and documenting the proper functioning of the department's autoclave.
# Maintain the departmental microbial culture collection within the terms of institutional biosafety policy, including the proper physical storage of cultures; the regular transfer and evaluation of cultures for viability; keeping an up-to-date inventory of cultures; and identifying microbial isolates, when necessary.


Secondary duties:
# Assist faculty in pre-testing and troubleshooting laboratory activities.
# Assist faculty and students in demonstrating laboratory procedures and proper use of equipment.
# Assist faculty in the editing and revision of laboratory procedures.
# Assist faculty in the supervision and guidance of independent undergraduate researchers.
# Contribute to the maintenance of a library of reference materials, equipment manuals, and current MSDS sheets.
# Perform minor repair of departmental equipment.
# Assist faculty in developing standard operating procedures for laboratory safety.

The above-listed duties are subject to change according to curricular offerings.
Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution


Required Qualifications:

Microbiology Focus:
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or Biology from an appropriately accredited institution
Significant experience in the cultivation and identification of bacterial cultures
Demonstrable knowledge of microbial physiology and ecology
Knowledge of current federal biosafety and biosecurity regulations and procedures, with regard to the different risk groups of pathogens


General Focus:
Bachelor of Science in Biology from an appropriately accredited institution

Required for Both Positions:
Demonstrable experience and proficiency in general biology laboratory techniques
Previous experience in preparation of laboratories for post-secondary level courses
Demonstrable experience in modern molecular techniques
Demonstrable experience in preparation of reagents and assembly of laboratory equipment
Ability to be resilient, work under pressure, and with tight schedules
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances / flexible approach to problem-solving
Ability to work long periods of time with concentrated effort. Regular weekend and evening work will be required.
Physical capability to carry materials and equipment (up to 15kg) and participate in field work.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
High level of computer literacy, to include MS PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook
Must possess a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and have a confirmed satisfactory driving record


Preferred Qualifications:
Master of Science with specialization in Microbiology or other biology specialization from an appropriately accredited institution
Significant professional and recent work experience in a biology laboratory
Experience with proper microscope use and maintenance, and tissue and cell culture
Experience with bioinformatics and sequence analysis tools
Knowledge of identification and collection of local plants
Experience with inventory management, budgeting and scheduling

To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/Resume, a Cover Letter that addresses the Required and Preferred qualifications, teaching evaluations, and the name and contact information for three people willing to provide a reference.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan.

As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development.

The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.


Note:
Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.

In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.

We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.

When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.

Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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