Research Assistant - Queens University

Reporting to the Principal Investigators (PIs) of a gastrointestinal neurophysiology laboratory, the incumbent will execute experiments using different types of biological assays and analyze experimental data in consultation with the Principal Investigator. This work will include microdissection, primary cell culture, microscopy and physiological experiments. 

The incumbent will work with potentially hazardous substances. The incumbent will maintain equipment and dispose of biological/hazardous wastes as required by environmental health and safety. The incumbent will also assist with the preparation of grant proposals, reports, and publications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Use scientific methods to prepare and conduct experiments and observe and record results. Follow proper protocol, ensure materials are available, set up lab equipment, check usage schedules, tabulate and record results.
• Prepare and analyze samples and solutions utilizing a variety of devices and instruments such as microscopes, centrifuges, electrophysiological amplifiers and force transducers.
• Report results of experiments in written reports and verbally at meetings with the principal investigator. Maintain a logbook.
• Use software including Microsoft office and GraphPad prism to analyse and organize information.
• Ensure maintenance of lab equipment and perform routine and ad hoc preventive maintenance procedures correcting operational problems where possible.
• Encourage safety in the lab and perform basic safety procedures, including proper hazardous waste and sharps disposal. Guide and train other lab users with respect to the safe operation of equipment and materials.
• Order reagents online, prepare monthly procurement card reconciliations using Scotiabank Centre suite and manage animal numbers for the lab using the program, Topaz.
• Generate analyses and assist in the preparation of figures to be included in written reports for publication.
• Assist with the preparation of grant and/or contract proposals for submission, for both individual research and research teams.
• Provide advice on experimental procedures and techniques to other researchers.
• Complete monthly lab visa card reconciliations.
• Other duties as required in support of the Research projects.

Required Qualifications:

• A three-year post-secondary diploma in Biotechnology or equivalent is required.
• A BSc degree in a related field would be considered an asset.
• Experience participating or working in education/training utilizing research techniques is required.
• Experience working in a research laboratory environment would be considered an asset.

Special Skills:

• Ability to coordinate workflow and use some personal judgement in applying scientific techniques to obtain accurate and relevant experimental results.
• Ability to plan, organize and execute different types of assays, with different types of tissues.
• Ability to perform and interpret electrophysiological experiments.
• Careful and critical observational skills.
• Organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Judgement in choosing the best protocol or adapting procedures to meet changing needs.
• Foresight in predicting problems and altering procedures as required to minimize risks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member and complete tasks with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work harmoniously as part of a team including faculty members, clinicians and research trainees.
• Ability to handle dangerous materials, safely operate equipment and prepare solutions safely.
• Ability to work with computers and to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to perform careful measurements and interpret experimental results (e.g. reading pH meters, electrophysiology amplifiers and spectrophotometers).
• Ability to prepare data for use in publications and grant applications.

Decision Making:

Please apply online at:
https://clients.njoyn.com/CL4/xweb/xweb.asp?clid=74827&page=jobdetails&jobid=J0726-0336&BRID=EX458451&SBDID=21474&LANG=1.