CNS Lab Administrator & Electron Microscopy Technician

Date Posted: 02/20/2025
Req ID: 41716
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Biological Sciences
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Position Number: 00045268

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) pursues detailed knowledge of the natural world, effective management of natural resources, novel technologies and medical techniques. The department of Biological Sciences is comprised of faculty who are innovative researchers and engaging teachers that make important contributions to society. The Department fosters research and teaching partnerships, along with Co-op programs to create exciting opportunities for hands-on learning and outstanding scholarship at the vibrant, diverse and expanding campus that is UTSC.

The Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress (CNS) is a state-of-the-art infrastructure facility founded in 2000. The facility brings together researchers from the departments of Biological Sciences, Physical and Environmental Sciences, and Psychology at UTSC as well as local, national, and international collaborators. The CNS is comprised of several facilities including an advanced electrophysiology and microscopy facility, animal behavioural testing and surgical facilities, cellular and molecular biology suites, and an arctic field research station.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity:

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operational needs of the CNS Lab and planning and implementing the workflow for the unit. Responsibilities include: coordinating the use of lab space to ensure smooth operation of the facility; scheduling the use of lab equipment and resources; providing orientation to others on work procedures and practices; implementing risk management plans and processes; creating and editing a standard operating procedures manual; customizing the website and identifying initiatives to promote the facilities to internal and external users; verifying the accuracy and completeness of billing information; coordinating routine maintenance of lab equipment; collaborating on cost estimates; analyzing and making recommendations for the purchase of new equipment and supplies and; coordinating funding application processes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing samples for electron microscopy
• Acquiring, analyzing and interpreting experimental data
• Providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures to students, faculty and external clients on lab techniques, experimental procedures and protocols and equipment use
• Providing safety training and ensuring compliance to lab safety procedures and standards
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling minor equipment repairs
• Keeping well-informed on current technologies, best practices and industry standards
• Administering and maintaining tissue culture equipment , PCR, ultracold freezers and liquid nitrogen storage units.

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biological Chemistry or Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum five years demonstrated experience operating, training and maintaining electron microscopy and related equipment such as: transmission and scanning electron microscopes, imaging acquisition and processing software, ultramicrotomes, knife-maker, sputter-coater, freeze substitution and other electron microscopy routine lab equipment
• Experience in operating and maintaining tissue culture equipment
• Must have extensive and demonstrated research skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and excellent organizational skills
• Must be a strong team-player and committed to quality service
• Ability to maintain, calibrate and repair electron microscopy equipment
• The job requires a very high level of muscular coordination and/or manual dexterity to execute very precise and synchronized movements
• Must be in possession of Biosafety training certification or be will to be trained
• Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Communicator
• Organized
• Proactive
• Responsible
• Team player

Notes:

• A copy of the full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.

• This is a TERM position ending May 2026.

• This role is not currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto's Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Closing Date: 02/28/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  
USW Pay Band 15 -- $95,627. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $122,290. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching
Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.