City : Hamilton

Category : Other

Industry : Education

Employer : McMaster University

Unit/Project Description:
The Wilson Toxicology Laboratory studies the effects of environmental stressors, such as chemicals, on aquatic species. We are initiating studies on the reproductive and developmental effects of emerging contaminants from electronic waste on fish. We use zebrafish as a model organism for this research but culture a range of aquatic species (vertebrate and invertebrate) in the research program. The successful candidate will provide animal husbandry to maintain and breed species and lines needed for research, using established and standardized protocols. They will also conduct various in-vitro and in-vivo procedures in a specialized area including chemical exposure studies, reproductive toxicity tests, fish embryo toxicity tests, histology, steroid analyses, and gene expression studies.

Job Summary: 
The Research Laboratory Technician (I) is responsible for conducting laboratory experiments that are established and standardized under the direction of the immediate supervisor.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Perform various in-vitro and in-vivo procedures in a specialized area or science that are established and standardized.
• Liaise with other laboratories, external departments, and agencies to coordinate resources and schedules to meet research objectives.
• Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results. 
• Log samples and related pertinent information. 
• Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
• Inform supervisor of any defects or irregularities and take appropriate measures to rectify the situation.
• 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.
• Ensue adequate supplies are available for experiments. 
• Prepare chemical reagents and biomedical media according to formulae and assume responsibility for accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions. 
• Pipette a variety of reagents and media. 
• 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.

Requirements: 

• 3 year Community College diploma in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 1 year of relevant experience.

Additional Information:

• Experience with animal husbandry and experimental exposures, particularly with zebrafish or other fish species. 
• Research skills in standard histology, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, embryo toxicity testing, RNA extraction and/or quantitative PCR.

Applications will be reviewed after August 17th, 2026.