Reproductive Research Assistant

Rate of Pay:
Starting $34.24, 520 hours $36.52, 1040 hours $38.04

Category:
Full Time (Permanent)

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Number of Positions Open: 1

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.

Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

The Reproductive Research Assistant is responsible for assisting with new and ongoing service and research projects in the Zoo's Reproductive Sciences Unit. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

• Maintain the laboratory and its equipment in proper order to optimize accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies.
• Organize collected data into laboratory notebooks and computer files.
• Perform preliminary interpretation of experimental results including descriptive statistics.
• Diagnose and solve problems in laboratory systems, including enzyme immunoassays and other analytical procedures.
• Prepare standard operating procedures for routine and experimental laboratory functions.
• Collect, process and analyze samples for reproductive and stress hormone concentrations using enzyme immunoassays for new and ongoing endocrine service and research projects.
• Assist in procedures for reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination, embryo collections and transfer, and oocyte collection and culture.
• Liaise with Wildlife & Science staff to organize ongoing research projects.
• Assist in communicating results and their significance to Wildlife & Science staff using both oral and written means.
• Train and assist interns, graduate students, visiting scientists and post-doctoral fellows to carry out laboratory techniques.
• Communicate with external researchers to develop, employ or learn new techniques for the research program or to initiate collaborative projects.
• Initiate and carry out individual projects of interest in collaboration with curatorial, veterinary and other Wildlife & Science staff, under the guidance and direction of the Science Development Manager and Senior Director of Wildlife & Science.
• Performs literature searches in preparation for publication of research material or for initiation of new projects.
• Deliver education programs and presentations to interested groups.
• Follow all policies and branch instructions.
• Attends appropriate training as required.

• Must have a Master of Science degree or Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, animal science or the equivalent amount of training and related experience.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years proven experience in the same or similar position.
• Must have a knowledge of conservation issues and the role of biotechnology.
• Must have practical laboratory experience, particularly with enzyme immunoassay, cell culture, or genetics.
• Practical experience with animal care and restraint is an asset.
• Must be able to independently perform routine duties within a service and research laboratory.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability to initiate and carry out research projects with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer reviewed journals is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and receive funding from grant applications an asset.
• Public speaking skills and experience is an asset.
• Must ensure all applicable licenses and certificates remain valid and in good standing. Copies of licenses and certificates to be provided at time of hire and upon renewal.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills,…