Laboratory Technician

Date Posted: 04/18/2024
Req ID: 37000
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Biological Sciences
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Position Number: 00056376

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.

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:

Working under general direction of the Laboratory Manager, the Laboratory Technician will provide teaching support services for biology laboratory courses. The job is broad in scope as it involves theoretical and practical knowledge of anatomy and physiology (plant, animal, and human), ecology and evolution, cellular and molecular biology, as well as biochemistry.

The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for ensuring laboratory spaces are ready for undergraduate student use by preparing, and setting up all required chemical solutions, specimens, demonstrations, and laboratory equipment in advance of scheduled labs. Furthermore, the Laboratory Technician will instruct teaching assistants, and undergraduate students, on techniques and procedures required for laboratory experiments. Outside of scheduled undergraduate labs, this position is responsible for ensuring cleanliness of the laboratories and teaching preparation rooms, maintaining stock cultures of invertebrates, such isopods, troubleshooting technical problems, identifying errors and finding solutions with experimental procedures, maintaining laboratory equipment, ordering supplies and specimens, tracking their usage and establishing inventory levels. The Laboratory Technician is expected to provide technical assistance and guidance in the development of new laboratory exercises.

The incumbent will assume full stewardship of several teaching rooms and preparatory rooms, ensuring that the rooms are clean and organized, and that equipment is maintained in good working order.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures to students and/or employees on lab techniques, experimental procedures and protocols.
• Modifying experimental processes and implementing more efficient ways to conduct experiments.
• Ensuring that the material needs of laboratory exercises and/or courses are available.
• Applying established standards when cleaning lab, rooms and equipment.
• Coordinating routine maintenance of lab equipment.
• Providing safety training and ensuring compliance to lab safety procedures and standards.
• Obtaining quotations and issuing purchase orders within established limits.
• Serving as a technical resource on laboratory protocols, and experimental procedures and equipment.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or acceptable combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three years of related experience working in a biology laboratory in a university environment or similar setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to coordinate all aspects of an undergraduate teaching laboratory and experience with the technical aspect of lab work.
• Experience working with large classes of undergraduate students and numerous teaching assistants.
• Knowledge of Cell and Molecular Biology concepts and experiments, including DNA extraction, purification, quantification, amplification.
• Hands on experience with compound and dissecting microscopes, balances (top-loading and analytical), pH meters, spectrophotometers (UV and visible), micropipettes, centrifuges, conductivity meters, thermocyclers, gel electrophoresis, gel imagers, and AV equipment.
• Strong proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Must have the ability to present experimental techniques in a comprehensive manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Applicants are expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Graduate degree in Biology considered a strong asset.
• Experience preparing media for microbiological experiments.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Meticulous
• Organized
• Proactive
• Problem solver
• Self-directed

Notes:

• A full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.
• Typical work hours are 8:45 AM - 5:00PM. While labs are in session during the fall and winter semesters, the hours of work on Tuesdays and Thursdays will be from 12:45 PM – 9:00 PM. Evenings and weekends are required on an as needed basis to support laboratory work. 

Closing Date: 05/01/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 11 -- $73,748 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $94,310. 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.