Lab Technician, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Overview

The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Lab Technician. This full-time fixed-term position is for approximately 1 year (based on grant funding), with the possibility of extension. This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

Lab technicians perform routine tasks of moderate to high complexity. Examples include conducting experimental tasks such as primary tumor sample processing, tissue culture, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA assays, and performing computational analysis of experimental results. They will work independently on day-to-day duties including setting up, operating, maintaining and cleaning basic laboratory equipment. The lab technician will perform quality control testing techniques when cleaning and maintaining all equipment and supplies.

This position will work both independently and in a team environment.

• Immunology & Multiple Myeloma Experimental Work:
  Establish and maintain mammalian tissue cultures; support myeloma co-culture systems, including T cell engagement and cytotoxicity assays; process primary samples (e.g., PBMC isolation); assist with profiling immune-tumor interactions and cytokine readouts through flow cytometry and ELISA assays
• Molecular Biology & Biochemical Techniques:
  Perform DNA/RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR/qPCR; conduct Western blotting, protein expression analyses, and ELISA assays; prepare primary tumor samples for sequencing or molecular profiling; cloning and producing lentiviral vectors, cell line transductions; prepare reagents, buffers, and maintain molecular inventories
• Flow Cytometry & Imaging:
  Prepare single-cell suspensions for multicolor flow cytometry; operate flow cytometry instruments (training available); assist with fluorescence or confocal imaging
• Training for mouse model support including: mouse handling, monitoring, basic procedures, maintaining animal-use records; bone marrow and spleen harvests; tissues processing for flow cytometry and microscopy
• Lab Operations:
  Help establish and maintain a well-organized new research lab; order and maintain lab stocks/reagents/equipment; maintain equipment functionality and monitor shared facility bookings; maintain SOPs, safety documentation, and sample records
• Team Support & Training:
  Work closely with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students on complex experiments; train junior students in equipment operation and laboratory techniques; contribute to a respectful, collaborative lab culture; establish and maintain productive relationships with staff, peers, supervisor and campus community

• Master s degree (minimum) in immunology, cancer biology, or molecular biology
• Minimum 2 years of experience in an immunology-focused research lab
• Strong mammalian cell culture skills under sterile conditions
• Experience with PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry
• Experience with cloning and producing lentiviral vectors for cell line transduction
• Willingness to work with mouse models (training provided)
• Open to learning and development; able to accept new challenges and assignments
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication, written and organizational skills, and accurate record-keeping
• Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• WHMIS certification

Final date to receive applications:
July 21, 2026