Biology Lab Technician and Core Facility Coordinator

This permanent full-time Laboratory Support Technician role at the University of Waterloo's Biology Department will oversee core facility operations, including instrument maintenance, user training, and troubleshooting. Key responsibilities involve supporting undergraduate laboratory courses by preparing materials, ensuring safety, and assisting instructors. A BSc in Biology is required, along with at least three years of experience setting up student lab courses and expertise in general biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology assays, including flow cytometry and sequencing technologies.

• · Process marks for undergraduate courses (tutorials, labs, midterms and finals) including: compiling lab and tutorial marks, coordinating grading (e.g., Markbox), providing statistical summary of student outcomes for each course, and calculating and submitting final grades to the Registrar
• · Process TA evaluations for analysis at the end of each term
• · Process chargebacks for Core Facility users each term
• · Maintain chemical inventory & associated safety data sheets
• · Source and order laboratory and preparation room maintenance supplies
• · In consultation with instructors and faculty member(s) provide recommendations and costing to Associate Chair for equipment to improve pedagogy
• · Establish and maintain liaison with sales representatives for technical and price update
• · Maintain personal certifications as required by Safety Office
• · Update posted safety procedures including WHMIS, hazardous waste disposal etc. so that they are current
• · Maintain equipment certifications and the associated records
• · Prepare and maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• · Maintain first aid kits
• · Maintain safety inspection reports (eye wash station, spill kits, etc.) and report to the Department and Safety Office as required
• · Ensure adherence to Health and Safety guidelines by all Core users
• · Serve as a technical resource person for faculty, research associates and students in the development of their research projects
• · Fill in as a teaching assistant where necessary.
• · Serve as a support person in other areas of department operations (laboratory preparation and clean-up for other courses, other department initiatives) as required on an occasional and short-term basis as assigned by the Chair, Associate Chair or Administrative Officer
• · May serve on the Department of Biology Safety committee
• · May serve as a back-up technician
• · Work with members of the department to clean up space as needed.