Research Technician - Dr. Lacasta's Lab

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.

VIDO is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Technician to join the African swine fever (ASF) research platform in Dr. Anna Lacasta’s laboratory. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic research program focused on understanding ASF virus biology and developing effective countermeasures against this important animal disease.

Research in the ASF platform covers a broad spectrum of vaccine development, from upstream research aimed at identifying and characterizing vaccine antigens and improving our understanding of ASF virus biology, to downstream in vivo studies evaluating vaccine candidates and investigating immune correlates of protection. The research program employs a broad range of experimental approaches across multiple disciplines, including immunological assays (e.g., flow cytometry and ELISPOT), molecular biology techniques (including qPCR, cloning, and proteomics), virus culture and propagation, and animal studies.

The Research Technician will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day activities and operation of the laboratory. Responsibilities will include maintaining inventories of samples and reagents, monitoring and maintaining laboratory equipment, processing and analyzing samples, and recording and reporting experimental results. Depending on research needs, the successful candidate will work in both containment level 2 (CL2) and containment level 3 (CL3) environments. The candidate will also contribute to the supervision and training of laboratory personnel and students.

Qualifications

· A technical diploma, undergraduate degree in biology or related science fields

· Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working in biological sciences lab or related fields.

· Data analysis skills will be highly valued

· Experience working with mammalian cell culture, virus propagation, immunological assays, molecular biology techniques, and handling animal samples will be assets

· Experience in managing a research laboratory will be also an asset

· Certification to work in a containment level 2 (CL2) lab

· Willingness to obtain certification to work in a CL3 lab is required

Status: 2 years, with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: Non-Union

Shift: Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition

Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes

Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable

Education/Credential Verification: Yes

Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter, CV, and the names of three references online via the following link: https://vido.applytojobs.ca/research/50624

Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information visit: vido.org

Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.