Description
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Microbiology Laboratory Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 18 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
he Microbiology Support Technician is a member of the Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) of the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). Reporting to the Manager, DSU Laboratories, and receiving day-to-day direction from the Section Laboratory Supervisors and Senior Technicians, the Microbiology Support Technician carries out various activities that support the diagnostic and service functions of the microbiology laboratories. The position provides laboratory regular support across Bacteriology, Serology, Molecular, and Parasitology, with the potential to support other DSU labs.
This position requires effective communication skills, attention to detail, organization, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team. All assigned activities must be carried out with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism and in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality requirements, and laboratory biosafety practices.
Work assignments may vary among microbiology sections depending on operational requirements, workload, staff coverage, and service priorities. The incumbent must be flexible and willing to be trained to perform appropriate support activities across multiple microbiology sections.
Work is of varying complexity and may involve peak periods and short timelines for completion. The incumbent must be able to organize assigned activities, respond to changing priorities, and seek guidance from the Manager, laboratory supervisors, or appropriate technical staff when required.
The position involves working with biological specimens, microorganisms, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment and established laboratory safety and biosafety procedures must be followed at all times.
The position is based at the Spy Hill Campus. However, travel to Foothills Campus may be required.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Receive, verify, label, organize, aliquot, store, retrieve, transfer, archive, and dispose of laboratory specimens and related materials according to established procedures, while maintaining accurate specimen identification and traceability throughout the laboratory workflow.
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Prepare specimens, workstations, reagents, media, solutions, quality control materials, consumables, worksheets, and other laboratory materials required to support routine diagnostic activities.
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Provide technical laboratory support across Bacteriology, Serology, Molecular, and Parasitology.
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Depending on operational needs and documented training and competency, assigned activities may include specimen preparation for processing, culture and media setup, serum or plasma aliquoting., plate and testing preparation, molecular testing preparation, and microscopy-related specimen preparation.
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Operate designated laboratory equipment following successful training and competency assessment, and perform assigned startup, shutdown, cleaning, routine maintenance, inspections, and consumable replacement. Identify and report equipment problems or deviations to appropriate laboratory staff.
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Monitor and document designated laboratory temperatures and environmental conditions and report deviations according to established procedures.
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Maintain clean, organized, appropriately stocked, and safe laboratory work areas, including routine cleaning and decontamination of workspaces and equipment and the preparation, cleaning, or sterilization of reusable laboratory materials.
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Support laboratory inventory by receiving and organizing supplies, monitoring stock and expiry dates, rotating and replenishing consumables, maintaining storage areas and inventory records, and communicating supply needs or concerns.
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Complete assigned laboratory documentation and non-interpretive LIMS activities, including specimen and storage information, reagent preparation records, equipment and maintenance logs, temperature records, inventory records, and other laboratory or quality documentation.
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Support specimen transport and shipment activities, including preparation, packaging, labeling, documentation, cold-chain requirements, and chain-of-custody processes where applicable, in coordination with laboratory personnel and Lab Services.
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Handle and dispose of biological, chemical, sharps, and general laboratory waste and prepare materials for sterilization or disposal according to established safety, biosafety, and laboratory procedures.
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Assist with designated quality assurance and quality control activities and maintain accurate, complete, and legible records associated with assigned work.
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Communicate specimen, equipment, inventory, workflow, and other laboratory issues promptly and work collaboratively with laboratory technicians, supervisors, professional staff, and other DSU and UCVM personnel.
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Complete required orientation, safety training, section-specific training, and competency assessments before independently performing assigned activities. Maintain competency for authorized activities and participate in retraining, continuing development, and cross-training as required.
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Provide flexible laboratory support across sections in response to workload, staffing, and operational requirements, performing only activities within the scope of documented training and competency.
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Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows established laboratory safety, biosafety, and occupational health and safety procedures.
Reports all incidents, exposures, hazards, equipment concerns, and unsafe conditions to the Section Laboratory Supervisor, Senior Technicians, and the Manager, DSU Laboratories, in accordance with established procedures.
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Qualifications / Requirements:
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Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Veterinary Science, or a closely related discipline is required. An equivalent combination of relevant education and laboratory experience may be considered.
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Previous basic laboratory experience in a microbiology, diagnostic, veterinary, medical, research, or related laboratory environment is preferred.
Knowledge of basic microbiological and laboratory principles and practices is preferred. -
Ability to push, pull, lift or carry moderate weight- 20-40 lbs.
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Demonstrated ability to follow written procedures, protocols, and instructions accurately and consistently.
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Demonstrated ability to function effectively as a productive team member as well as work independently within established procedures.
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Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
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Ability and willingness to learn new laboratory procedures and complete required training and competency assessments across multiple microbiology sections.
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Ability to manage multiple assigned activities, prioritize work, and adapt to changing laboratory workloads and operational requirements.
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Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
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Proficiency with standard computer applications and the ability to learn laboratory-specific software, including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
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Knowledge of laboratory safety, biosafety, sanitation, disinfection, and appropriate handling of biological materials is preferred.
Previous WHMIS and laboratory safety training is considered an asset; required training will be provided.
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Application Deadline: September 22, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
