GIFS Laboratory Technician III, OPAL

Title of the Job: GIFS Laboratory Technician III, OPAL

Location: Saskatoon, SK

Job Description: GIFS Laboratory Technician III, OPALThe Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. This is a bold vision, one that we will strive to achieve through investing in our talent. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners, and stakeholders to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.We are guided by our Values of: Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Laboratory Technician III, OPAL is an active lab team member, primarily working within the lab and contributing to hands-on lab work. This role ensures the lab operates safely and efficiently, providing both administrative and technical support. Responsibilities include overseeing critical lab functions such as Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).NATURE OF WORK
Reporting to the Platform Lead, OPAL, the Laboratory Technician III is responsible for managing and contributing to the day-to-day lab operations and workflows while tracking ongoing projects and ensuring adherence to the highest quality and efficiency standards. The Laboratory Technician III provides direction, training, and support to the technical team while also playing a leading role in the validation, optimization, and development of protocols. An expert in genomics techniques and key member of the technical team, the Laboratory Technician III spends a majority of their time in the lab and is fluent in all techniques employed in the OPAL platform. They routinely execute standard and advanced lab protocols and resolve technical problems in the lab with the support of their colleagues in the technical team. Occasionally there may be a requirement to work outside of standard hours.You are part of the GIFS team, and your work is highly interconnected with other programs and platforms within GIFS. You lead the day-to-day priority and scheduling decisions in partnership with the Platform Lead, OPAL. Work volume is high with a high degree of judgement required for day-to-day technical decision making. The impact of error is high as it could result in reputational damage, significant losses in time and revenue, or replacement of materials and supplies.Your success requires you to understand the interconnectedness of GIFS and the impact that changes and operations have on all the platforms, programs, customers, and the reputation of GIFS. Key characteristics of the role include a strong commitment to safety, support of change management, and team leadership through exemplification of GIFS values. Other characteristics include well-developed communication, organizational, and project management skills and the ability to positively influence others while implementing difficult and challenging decisions. Agility, speed, and focus are essential to achieving milestones, deliverables, and outcomes.ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead by example.
• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of the laboratory including workflow management and task assignments across the technical team.
• Lead and directly contribute to the development, validation, and optimization of laboratory protocols at the bench.
• Contribute directly to performance targets by executing routine and advanced protocols, as well as holding the technical team accountable for the achievement of day-to-day performance targets.
• Develop, implement, and maintain workflows in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Provide technical insight to inform quotes and customer communications.
• Supervise and support the training of technical staff in laboratory protocols and best practices, including safety training requirements.
• Troubleshoot, resolve, and implement long term solutions to advanced technical challenges including those with automation hardware operation and recovery following exceptions and adverse events.
• Manage and continuously develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including monitoring and ensuring compliance for technical staff to SOPs and QA/QC standards.
• Collaborate with the Platform Lead and technical team to improve processes and achieve greater operational efficiency.
• Ensure uninterrupted lab operations by managing inventory and ordering specialty reagents and consumables.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe lab environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• MSc degree in Molecular Biology or related field.
• Minimum of five years of industry experience is required, with a focus on genomics techniques.
• Previous experience managing day-to-day lab operations, including task allocation to technical staff and inventory management.
• Experience developing and implementing SOPs, and training others in laboratory techniques.
• Experience preparing DNA sequencing libraries, especially for Illumina and PacBio platforms.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) including use and modification of procedures and protocols.
• Experience with operation of laboratory automation equipment including liquid handling robots; experience with Hamilton VENUS scripting is considered an asset.
• Standard First Aid & CPR, and other safety certifications, considered an asset.

SKILLS
Proven ability to work effectively in a team-based environment is critical; excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytic, and problem-solving skills; proficiency with MS Office applications (particularly Word and Excel); highly motivated and organized; and demonstrated ability to illustrate leadership and contribute to building an empowered team. The following are required for success in this position:

• Sound judgment, discretion, tact, diplomacy, and professional integrity, coupled with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Effective organizational skills and the acumen to handle complex situations and manage multiple objectives with competing deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain the level of professional relationships that support exceptional collaboration both internal and external to GIFS.
• Ability to identify issues and collaborate to develop and implement innovative and outcomes-oriented solutions.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and report information with fastidious attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse atmosphere.
• Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on the organization’s success

Department: Global Institute for Food Security
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Research Positions – Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 8
Posted Date: 10/24/2024
Closing Date: 12/5/2024
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

Company Name: University of Saskatchewan

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