Description
The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Lab Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
Lab technicians perform routine tasks of moderate to high complexity. Examples include conducting various experimental tasks such as primary tumor sample processing, tissue culture, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA assays, as well as performing computational analysis of experimental results. In addition, they will work independently on day-to-day duties including setting up, operating, maintaining and cleaning basic laboratory equipment. While stress levels are low in this role, moderate impact of errors can still occur. Working in the laboratory requires high focus and attention. The lab technician will perform quality control testing techniques when cleaning and maintaining all equipment and supplies. This position will work both independently and in a team environment.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Immunology & Multiple Myeloma Experimental Work:
-
Establish and maintain mammalian tissue cultures
-
Support myeloma co-culture systems, including T cell engagement and cytotoxicity assays
-
Process primary samples (e.g., PBMC isolation)
-
Assist with profiling immune-tumor interactions and cytokine readouts through flow cytometry and ELISA assays
Molecular Biology & Biochemical Techniques:
-
Perform DNA/RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR/qPCR
-
Conduct Western blotting, protein expression analyses, and ELISA assays
-
Prepare primary tumor samples for sequencing or molecular profiling
-
Cloning and producing lentiviral vectors, cell line transductions
-
Prepare reagents, buffers, and maintain molecular inventories
Flow Cytometry & Imaging:
-
Prepare single-cell suspensions for multicolor flow cytometry
-
Operate flow cytometry instruments (training available)
-
Assist with fluorescence or confocal imaging
Training will be provided to the successful candidate in mouse model support including:
-
Mouse handling, monitoring, basic procedures, and maintaining animal-use records
-
Bone marrow and spleen harvests
-
Tissues processing for flow cytometry and microscopy
Lab Operations:
-
Help establish and maintain a well-organized new research lab
-
Order and maintain lab stocks/reagents/equipment (including communicating with vendors and personnel from supply chain management when necessary)
-
Maintain equipment functionality and monitor shared facility bookings
-
Maintain SOPs, safety documentation, and sample records
Team Support & Training:
-
Work closely with the postdoctoral research fellows and graduate students on complex experiments
-
Train junior students in the operation of equipment, laboratory techniques and laboratory protocols
-
Contribute to a respectful, collaborative lab culture
-
Establish and maintain effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, immediate supervisor and senior management and with the campus community
Qualifications / Requirements:
-
Master's degree (minimum) in immunology, cancer biology, or molecular biology
-
Minimum 2 years of experience in an immunology focused research lab
-
Strong mammalian cell culture skills under sterile conditions
-
Experience with PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry
-
Experience with cloning and producing lentiviral vectors for cell line transduction
-
Willingness to work with mouse models (training provided)
-
Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
-
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
-
Excellent communication, written and organizational skills, and accurate record keeping
-
Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures
-
Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
-
WHIMIS certification
Application Deadline: June 17, 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.
