Bioassay Technician, Physiology & Pharmacology

Description

The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Bioassay Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year(based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Alberta Centre for Toxicology (ACFT) is a public health laboratory. It is funded by Alberta Primary and Preventive Health Services and administered by the University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine. The position of Bioassay Technician for the Alberta Centre for Toxicology (ACFT) reports to the Bioassay Section Head (manager) or Associate Director. The workload varies by research project.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Perform the routine maintenance of various types of cell culture, including primary cells, immortalized normal cells, cancer cells and perform microscopy to evaluate the physiological status of the cultured cells.
• Perform cytotoxicity or proliferation assay using a real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) system.
• Perform endpoint assays such as MTT as a confirmation for the RTCA results.
• Perform protein phosphatase inhibition assay for cyanotoxins in ground and surface water.
• Perform testing and ensure that the analysis meets quality control expectations and SOP standards.
• Generate, analyze data and report to the Section Head.
• Maintain stock supplies of chemicals, reagents, standards for routine chemical tests and in the work bench area.
• Prepare internal quality controls and calibrators for verification.
• Assist in preparing summaries of research projects and conduct literature reviews.
• Perform basic daily/weekly/monthly routine instrumentation maintenance, method/instrument trouble shooting, and instrument supplies and/or work with instrument technical support.
• Position has a high impact of errors and operates in an environment requiring interaction and teamwork with other staff to achieve goals.
• Work requires possible exposure to dangerous materials and/or situations and is conducted in an area with constant background noise from instruments and gas tanks pressure relief valves.
• The biological samples used by this position places the laboratory in the Biohazard Level 2 which requires University of Calgary WHMIS and Biohazard-Module 1 and 2 (Biosafety) training, provided by the University of Calgary.
• Perform other temporary projects as requested.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology or related field.
• Previous experience in Cell Biology/Microbiology (University program may be considered as part or all of the 1 year exp. required).
• Preference will be given to those who have experience with the RTCA technology
• Working knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, biostatistics programs and microscopic imaging programs.
• English language skills in reading, writing and oral communication are required.
• Ability to multi-task and deal with multiple simultaneous priorities in an efficient and effectively with minimal supervision with strong organizational and time management skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Final date to receive applications:
September 7, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

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

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

For more information, visit

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of…