Technical /Research Support I

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Robarts Research Institute within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University has a mission to accelerate medical discovery. Through a powerful integration of basic and clinical research, we are driving major advances that impact on many of today's most devastating diseases.

Western University has received a $66M investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). This investment is bringing together researchers from across the University under a unifying initiative called BrainsCAN. The mission of BrainsCAN is to reduce the burden of brain disorders that affect cognition, by extending and mobilizing knowledge of the mappings between neural circuits and high level behavior and cognition to deliver evidence based interventions.

One component of BrainsCAN is the ITN project, which focuses on developing pre-clinical models to maximized value in drug discovery and on optimizing the selection of cognitive and image biomarker to address specific needs in drug discovery.

Responsibilities

The Research Technician provides technical support related to activities involving mice, including husbandry and feeding, monitoring animal health, executing behavioural tests, as well as some wet lab techniques such as immune-staining, and imaging samples. The Research Technician will perform all tasks, under the direction of his/her supervisor in adherence to relevant guidelines. The role requires sincere compassion for animals and will advocate for the welfare of animals under their care by promptly following up with animal care leadership regarding any environmental, experimental or health concerns. The role reports via regular meetings with an assigned supervising postdoctoral researcher, senior technicians, and Principal Investigators to review ongoing activities, plan future activities, and anticipate future requirements with respect to experimental needs.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Medical Sciences or relevant discipline

Experience:

• 4 months of work experience in a research laboratory, experience with rodents

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Knowledge of associated risks in a research environment with the ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations
• Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
• Ability to follow formal processes and protocols with high attention to detail
• Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs; Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues and students
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.