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Research Technician (Husbandry & Behaviour)

Job ID8D-43-9E-95-8A-BE
CompanyWestern University
LocationLondon
ProvinceOntario
Date Posted2022-05-09
Posted Until2022-06-08
Job TypeFixed-term
Job CategoryEducation
Description
Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: Level N

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, 2 year temporary full time contract opportunity.

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
Western University has received a $66M investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). This investment will bring 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.

A major component of BrainsCAN is Elite Core Infrastructure, to provide essential support to our researchers. The mission of the BrainsCAN Rodent Cognition Core is to facilitate understanding of the circuits and mechanisms underlying cognition.

Responsibilities
The Research Technician provides technical activities related to husbandry and surgery involving small animals. The role reports via regular meetings with Principal Investigators and other research staff to review ongoing activities, and plan future activities with respect to animal welfare and behavior tasks. The Research Technician is also responsible for providing animal husbandry to mouse colonies, performing stereotaxic surgery, providing post-surgical care and behavior experiments as well as histological analysis and keeping mice healthy accordingly with CCAC and local guidelines for the welfare of animals. The role will report any physical or behavioral abnormalities, and will complete and maintain documentation and records related to animal care and procedures ensuring that animals are cared for according to Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and Veterinary Services (ACVS) guidelines. The Research Technician will perform all tasks, under the direction of their supervisor, related to animal care, husbandry of mice, and surgery in adherence to relevant guidelines. In this position, the Research Technician will demonstrate 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.

Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences or related area
- Veterinary Technician Diploma is preferred

Experience:
- 1 years' experience working in a research laboratory with responsibility for maintaining mouse colonies
- Experience performing surgery in small animals
- Experience in molecular biology, PCR and genotyping, with cryostat use and histology, and in behavior analysis in small animals

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of CCAC guidelines and policies of the Western Animal Care Committee preferred
- Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and follow through on work assignments
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Familiarity with animal "normals" for mouse species
- Ability to provide timely and consistent animal husbandry that complies with all relevant policies and procedures, and recognize and report animal health issues
- Ability to maintain animal care standards in accordance with regulatory guidelines and legislation
- Ability to consistently utilize ergonomically sound processes in accordance with guidelines
- Ability to complete detailed records and reports
- Ability and willingness to employ a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and making decisions
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate research activities
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures with high attention to detail
- Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to prioritize and organize a fluctuating work load
- Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community
- Ability to ensure a safe environment by identifying, resolving and reporting safety hazards

Union Statement
Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Background Checks
Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current police information record check(s) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

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 at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.
LanguagesEnglish
How To ApplyInterested applicants are asked to visit: https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #26585 by 11:59PM on June 3, 2022.
Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

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