City : Hamilton

Category : Other

Industry : Education

Employer : McMaster University

Unit/Project Description:
Ongoing research at the Choe lab at McMaster University aims to understand how autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-risk gene mutations lead to its behavioural symptoms using genetic mouse models. We use a number of established neuroscience approaches such as electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, functional neuroimaging, and behavioural assays to address this question.

Job Summary:
Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, design new laboratory exercises and procedures and oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories. Organizes, distributes and verifies the work of others and participates in their training.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Design new laboratory exercises and procedures.
• Conduct literature searches and write literature review summaries.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of a facility, laboratory or multiple laboratories.
• Coordinate the execution of experiments, projects and services.
• Establish priorities and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Provides technical guidance and assistance concerning work methods, the use of equipment and techniques, and the analysis of results.
• Review, test, evaluate, and modify equipment and methodology.
• Recognize and investigate apparent reasons for obvious deviations in results obtained.
• Write a variety of documents such as standard operating procedures.
• Conduct initial lab set-up in accordance with lab schedules and requirements.
• Perform pilot experiments and prepare lab demonstration materials.
• Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.
• Modify and adapt, labs as directed.
• Conduct moderately complex analyses of data.
• Perform trouble-shooting during the lab period to correct issues including, but not limited to, equipment failure and contamination.
• Update and maintain detailed records of lab preparations and procedures.
• Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results.
• Calibrate and maintain scientific equipment and instruments in accordance with prescribed requirements.
• Perform minor equipment repairs and arrange for major repairs through supervisor or outside contractor.
• Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
• Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in clean, safe working order.
• Assemble and adjust tests and laboratory equipment for experiments and procedures.
• Operate, adjust, and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments.
• Schedule laboratory equipment for use.
• Prepare a variety of chemicals, solutions, sterile media, staining reagents and other materials required for the lab.
• Pipette a variety of reagents and media.
• Update, maintain, and verify inventory control of chemicals, media, and supplies.
• Monitor supplies and order inventories.
• Responsible for the proper storage of materials and the appropriate disposal of waste.
• Adhere to standardized procedures and protocols when dispensing chemicals and base media.
• Input, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.

Supervision:

• No formal supervision of others is required.
• Provide orientation and show procedures to others.

Requirements:    

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

• Experience managing a mouse colony in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with neuroscience experimental approaches such as molecular biology (including PCR gel electrophoresis), electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, functional neuroimaging, and behavioural assays.
• Superb communication skills

Additional Information:    

• At least 1 year of experience with working with laboratory mice
• Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.