Laboratory Technician (Biology)

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

1d•CA$43 - CA$45•Onsite

About The Position

Wilfrid Laurier University is seeking a Laboratory Technician for the Department of Biology. This full-time, limited-term position reports to the Manager of Teaching Labs, Biology and collaborates with Laboratory Coordinator/Technicians. The role is responsible for maintaining equipment and materials for undergraduate biology teaching laboratories, supporting the learning objectives of biology and water science courses. This includes assisting with testing and maintaining protocols and materials, ensuring a safe working environment, and possessing a diverse understanding of organisms, biological processes, and techniques. The position requires a high level of laboratory competence to work independently.

Requirements

Master of Science in Biological sciences
1-year previous job experience
Sound knowledge of (bio)hazardous materials, handling, storage and disposal
Ability to work within a team setting
Ability to work independently
High degree of problem-solving ability
Ability to work within deadlines
Sound knowledge of all programs available through Microsoft Office
Knowledge of equipment control systems
Comfortable speaking and conveying detailed information to an audience

Nice To Haves

First aid and fire safety – preferred but will provide to successful candidate

Responsibilities

Works with (bio)hazardous equipment, chemicals, reagents, organisms, biological samples and procedures ensuring that all participants are able to conduct work safely.
Assists with preparation of chemicals, buffers, reagents and other supplies for teaching labs, and assists with setting up lab exercises/experiments.
Tears down and cleans up completed labs, including maintenance/repair of equipment, (bio)hazardous and chemical waste disposal.
Cleans and maintains lab spaces including communicating with Physical Resources regarding necessary infrastructure repairs (e.g. plumbing, electrical, etc.).
Decontaminates and disposes of sharps and (bio)hazardous waste.
Maintains PPE, spill kits, showers/eye wash stations, and first aid kits.
Assists with the maintenance and storage of equipment, tools, instrumentation, chemicals and other reagents and supplies according to regulations.
Assists in the sourcing of animals, bacteria, plants, equipment, reagents, supplies and other resources as required for lab experiments.
Participates in the field collection of required specimens and other materials as needed.
Completes daily/weekly tasks to ensure that labs are prepared and ready to run according to schedule.
On occasion, provides support to Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), undergraduate Instructional Assistants (IAs), and undergraduate students as they prepare for and actively deliver and participate in lab and tutorial exercises/experiments.
Provides technical support for instrumentation and protocols to GTAs, IAs and course instructors.
Available as a resource for students’ questions outside of lab hours, e.g. when students need to make observations outside of regularly scheduled lab time.
Updates SDS, chemical inventory.
Complies with university safety and regulatory policies and procedures.
Receives departmental deliveries and arranges for distribution of materials to respective (research) labs.