Lab Technician, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

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 one year (based on length of grant funding) with the possibility of extension. The position reports to the Principal Investigator.

Lab technicians perform routine tasks of moderate to high complexity, including primary tumor sample processing, tissue culture, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA assays, and computational analysis of experimental results. They work independently on day‑to‑day duties such as setting up, operating, maintaining, and cleaning laboratory equipment. The role requires high focus, attention to detail, and quality control testing.

• 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

• 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
• Clone and produce lentiviral vectors, transduce cell lines
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and maintain molecular inventories

• Prepare single‑cell suspensions for multicolor flow cytometry
• Operate flow cytometry instruments (training available)
• Assist with fluorescence or confocal imaging

• Mouse handling, monitoring, basic procedures, and maintaining animal‑use records
• Bone marrow and spleen harvests
• Processing tissues for flow cytometry and microscopy

• Help establish and maintain a well‑organized new research lab
• Order and maintain lab stocks, reagents, and equipment; communicate with vendors and supply chain personnel when necessary
• Maintain equipment functionality and monitor shared facility bookings
• Maintain SOPs, safety documentation, and sample records

• Work closely with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students on complex experiments
• Train junior students in the operation of equipment, laboratory techniques, and protocols
• Contribute to a respectful, collaborative lab culture
• Maintain effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, supervisors, senior management, and the campus community

• Master's degree (minimum) in immunology, cancer biology, or molecular biology
• Minimum two years of experience in an immunology‑focused research laboratory
• 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, and willing 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)
• WHIMIS certification

July 21, 2026

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes the value of a diverse staff and is committed to removing historic barriers. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible/racialised minorities, and diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process. For accommodation requests, please contact People & Culture at [email protected].

For questions about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, contact the Office of Institutional Commitments at [email protected]. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.