FSIAP Research Assistant / Technician 2

Job Summary

This position supports scientific research in a brand-new CFI-funded insectary, the Facility for the Study of Insect Adaptability and Physiology (FSIAP), co-led by Drs. Katie Marshall, Ben Matthews, and Phil Matthews. The labs of the FSIAP study many aspects of invertebrate physiology including genomics, neuroanatomy, behavior, respiratory physiology and thermal physiology in a variety of insect models including mosquitoes, dragonflies, cockroaches, spruce budworm, and more. This position is funded for an initial period of 1 year, with a start date of Sep 1, 2024, with the possibility of renewal. The position involves a variety of duties from lab organization and management to complex technical tasks requiring technical skills gained through experience in the areas of animal behavior, physiology, experimental design, and related disciplines.

Organizational Status

Reports directly to Principal Investigators (PIs) and interacts with other lab personnel in completion of research and general lab tasks.

Work Performed

Duties include the below, and may expand as time and interest permits :

• Oversees physical and digital lab organization for FSIAP
• Assists in insect rearing for FSIAP-affiliated labs
• Orders lab equipment and supplies, maintains inventories
• Develops and updates Biosafety protocols, prepares reimbursements, and tracks budgets
• Maintains and updating lab websites, including a database of experimental protocols
• Identifies and resolves minor technical problems and interfaces with vendors for more complex technical assistance.
• Trains new students and staff in procedures
• Is responsible for ensuring laboratory safety and best practices guidelines are followed

Consequence of Error / Judgement

Because the Principal Investigators outlines the goals of the various projects, but does not issue detailed instructions, the position has considerable latitude for apportioning time, choosing methods, and prioritizing work. In this circumstance, errors in choice, prioritization, or execution of experiments can have larger consequences on the research program, if problems are not detected and acted upon immediately, before the regular weekly meeting. As a consequence, mistakes can result in considerable loss of time or productivity.

Supervision Received

The employee will be under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigators, who will outline the goals of the research and the general approaches to take. The employee will learn appropriate techniques from other lab members, or collaborators as required. The employee has considerable flexibility in organizing her / his time, prioritizing work, and choosing the precise procedures to follow.

Supervision Given

The employee may assist in supervising new undergraduate and graduate students in basic lab procedures and techniques, such as rearing, animal care, microscopy, respirometry, and using various computer applications.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or graduation from a technical college or institute. B.Sc. (M.Sc. or Ph.D. preferred) or equivalent degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology or genetics. Previous work experience working with arthropods required. Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and techniques required. The ability to work independently, exercise judgment, and schedule and plan experiments is essential.

A combination of some of the following is preferred : experience with automated image and video analysis, familiarity with invertebrate respirometry research, familiarity with genetic and genomic protocols, and experience rearing mosquitoes and other arthropods. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve when possible. Ability to maintain accurate records and pay attention to detail. Ability to multitask and meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to reliably carry out instructions without ongoing directions. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.