MicrobiologyMolecular Biology Technician

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is July 16 2026 at 11:59PM

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The incumbent is responsible for developing and ensuring the smooth and successful execution of assigned laboratory courses for several undergraduate courses in consultation with the Instructor and/or Faculty member responsible for each course. The primary areas of assignment for this position are microbiology and molecular biology. This position is equally accountable to the Technical Manager for technical issues Administrative Officer for administrative issues and The Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies for course assignments.

Key Accountabilities

Course Work

Prepare and provide requisite materials (e.g. media reagents cultures specimens) for laboratory offerings (including student follow-ups as requested) for assigned courses including laboratory equipment for the initial lab session plus any required follow-up for particular experiments

Clean-up of the laboratory space with the appropriate handling and disposal techniques including the disposal of hazardous materials at the end of each laboratory exercise

Demonstrate proper and safe operation of equipment including: compound dissecting and phase microscopes; autoclaves centrifuges fume hoods biosafety cabinets thermocyclers gel electrophoresis and other specialized equipment

Assist instructors and/or faculty members with the development of new experiments for teaching and research

In consultation with Instructors and/or faculty members trouble-shoot and/or update existing experiments to improve pedagogical practices

Recommend changes revisions and corrections to student lab manuals

Create and maintain information related to the course laboratory function and operation which may serve as a guide for subsequent offerings

Service teaching equipment and maintain records of service

Support Teaching Assistants during lab sessions to trouble-shoot technical issues as they arise and/or explain the principles behind experiments

Administrative Duties

Source order and maintain laboratory and preparation room supplies

In consultation with instructors and faculty member(s) provide recommendations and costing to Associate Chair or Technical Manager for equipment to improve pedagogy

Establish and maintain liaison with sales representatives for technical and other updates

Prepare and maintain chemical inventory in accordance with UW and legislative requirements

Safety

Maintain safety certifications as required by Safety Office

Update posted safety procedures including WHMIS hazardous waste disposal etc. so that they are current

Maintain safety records for teaching and technical spaces

Maintain equipment certifications and the associated records

Prepare and maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Maintain first aid kits

Maintain a working alone procedure

Maintain safety inspection reports (eye wash station spill kits etc.) and report to the Department and Safety Office as required

Other

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 Administrative Officer or Technical Manager

May serve on Department committees

May supervise co-op students

Required Qualifications

Education

BSc in Biology required MSc preferred. Equivalent related education/experience will be considered.

Experience

3 years experience required. Requires broad knowledge of microbiology and molecular techniques and competency in other fields including toxicology physiology cell biology genetics and ecology.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Experience trouble shooting and working with scientific equipment is essential.

Requires a sound understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of lab offerings.

Maintain current certification as required by the Safety Office.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Ability to think critically and make independent decisions.

Ability to work with other technical staff in a team environment

Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

Basic skill level with Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Teams)

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.