ANIMAL RESEARCH LAB TECHNICIAN

Unit/Project Description:

Reporting to the Canada Research Chair in Human Cancer Stem Cell Biology the Animal Technician will work under close supervision, and provide

research support to all three brain tumor research programs. This includes performing various in vitro and in vivo standaridzed and established

laboratory experiments. The technician is expected to manage all animal work, and majorly assist with implementation of in vivo studies involving

intracranial injections of mice, preclinical testing of drugs etc.,. The incumbent will also assisting the senior Research Associate with general lab maintenance.

The incumbent will be also responsible for routine maintainence of equipments such as freezers and incubators, monitor inventory supplies, stock and assist in

placing and tracking orders

About the Department of Surgery

Over its 50 year history, the McMaster Department of Surgery has maintained a steadfast commitment towards thinking big and making it possible. We are a

Department with 11 surgical divisions and Royal College residency training programs; together, we are poised to unleash a future fueled by a creative mindset and

powered by our people.

The successful candidate will bring a positive, solutions-focused mindset, as we collectively work towards achieving the Department Vision.

This Vision is based on 6 core tenets:

C.R.E.A.T.E.

Culture that includes.

Research that impacts.

Education that inspires.

Advancement for all

Transformation through innovation & entrepreneurship

Excellence in patient care

About McMaster University

At McMaster University, our people are our most valuable asset. We strive to attract, develop, and retain the talented faculty and staff, and to foster inclusive

excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster is recognized as one of the top employers in the

Hamilton/Niagara region and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers.

Working at McMaster University brings a robust total rewards package, which is more than just a salary. The elements and structure of the total rewards packages

vary by employee group but include:

• Employer Paid benefits including Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance.
• Pension Plan Options & Post-Retirement Benefits.
• Training, coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Employee tuition assistance for development and education
• Opportunity to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning.
• Progressive paid annual vacation plan

Please see Total Rewards Overview for Unifor, Local 5555, Unit 1 for more Information.

https://hr.mcmaster.ca/resources/unifor-unit-1-total-rewards-overview/

• Design, adapt, and perform specialized in-vitro and in-vivo procedures.
• Organize and conduct specialized research experiments.
• Provide technical assistance to researchers including surgical assistance, preparation, and post-surgical monitoring.
• Perform minor surgeries and technical procedures including sampling, bleeding, injection, and all procedures involving the use of anaesthetics and related equipment.
• Perform various in-vitro and in-vivo procedures that are moderately complex and specialized.
• Provide recommendations for procedure modifications and development of the research protocol methodologies.
• Recognize and investigate apparent reasons for obvious deviations in results obtained.
• Use statistical software to conduct moderate and complex statistical analyses and calculations.
• Participate in required safety and security procedures, and conduct animal husbandry and care while following established standard operating procedures and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Maintain breeding colonies which includes breeding, feeding, weaning, and keeping records of activities.
• Participate in health monitoring, which includes health assessments, quality assurance, treatment, and post approval monitoring, of all animals and report issues to veterinary staff.
• Make decisions regarding the euthanization of animals in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Order materials required for animal care and surgeries, ensuring they are stocked and organized accordingly.
• Liaise with other laboratories, external departments, and agencies to coordinate resources and schedules to meet research objectives.
• Conduct literature searches and write literature review summaries.
• Develop presentations and present information at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Gather and compile experimental results and assist in the preparation of data for reports and publications.
• Write a variety of documents such as technical and procedural sections for research reports and standard operating procedures.
• Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results.
• Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
• Provide updates at research group meetings.
• Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in clean, safe working order.
• Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.
• Schedule laboratory equipment for use.
• Prepare chemical reagents and biomedical media according to formulae and assume responsibility for accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions.
• Responsible for the proper storage of materials and the appropriate disposal of waste.

No formal supervision of others is required.

Provide orientation and show procedures to others.

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

The applicant should have at least 4 years of research experience in Brain tumor research laboratory. The incumbent should have prior experience working with mice for in vivo studies. Proficient in intracranial injections, working with brain metastases models, irradiation of mice, tail vain injections, oral gavaging, IP injections, perfusions, blood collection, assist with small animal imaging (MRI) and luminescence imaging (IVIS). The applicant should have experience in writing AUPs and amendments required for animal experiments, track and maintain animal inventory, maintain supplies for animal work etc.,