Job posting and application: https://uvic.mua.hrdepartment.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/10364
Department Summary
The Biology Department Electron Microscope (EM) Facility functions as a research and teaching platform and general resource for electron and light microscopy and imaging for the Biology Department. The EM Facility allows for sample preparation and basic histology for microscope work, and is equipped with two Transmission Electron Microscopes, light microscopes, ultramicrotomes, and ancillary equipment. It also houses a FIB/SEM system owned by the Division of Medial Sciences. Individual research labs also host several confocal and widefield microscopes.
Position Summary
The Senior Scientific Assistant is responsible to maintain the facility, including maintaining and trouble-shooting microscopes and other equipment belonging to Biology Department. They train graduate students and other researchers research labs in Biology in electron and light microscopy techniques. The Senior Scientific Assistant carries out research projects in collaboration with faculty and other researchers and advises them on technical approaches. They are expected to support undergraduate courses and labs, and work with faculty to obtain funding for upgrades and new equipment. The Senior Scientific Assistant works collaboratively with other units on campus who may also use the facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain, diagnose, and repair TEM, light microscopes, and ancillary equipment (25%)
- Process and image biological samples for TEM, SEM, and light microscopy (25%)
- Train new users on TEM and ancillary equipment, as well as the department’s widefield and confocal microscopes (25%)
- Assist EM facility users with trouble-shooting for both hardware and software (10%)
- Liaise with repair service engineers and other microscope facilities on campus (5%)
- Maintain chemical and consumables inventory for the EM facility (5%)
- Compile user records for billing and charge-backs. (5%)
Summary of Qualifications:
– A MSc in Biology or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in operating light and electron microscopes.
– Experience in sample preparation methods (fixation, dehydration, embedding, and sectioning) for brightfield, fluorescence and electron microscopy and with techniques such as immunolabeling, histochemistry and image analysis.
– Demonstrated desire to learn new technologies, stay up-to-date in the field, and to promote new techniques to facility users and the Department.
– Experience in maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs for both light and electron microscopes.
