Microbiology/Cell Physiology Technician

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is July 23, 2026 at 11:59PM.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The incumbent is responsible for developing and ensuring the smooth and successful execution of assigned laboratory courses for several undergraduate courses, in consultation with the Instructor and/or Faculty member responsible for each course. The primary areas of assignment for this position are cell physiology, microbiology, and supporting the courses for the new Medsci program beginning fall 2026, e.g. human anatomy. This position is equally accountable to the Technical Manager for technical/Workday issues, Administrative Officer for administrative issues, and The Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies for course assignments.

Key Accountabilities

Course Work

• Prepare and provide requisite materials (e.g., media, reagents, cultures, specimens) for laboratory offerings (including student follow-ups as requested) for assigned courses, including laboratory equipment for the initial and any follow-up laboratory sessions for particular experiments

• Clean-up of the laboratory space with the appropriate handling and disposal techniques, including the disposal of hazardous materials at the end of each laboratory exercise

• Demonstrate proper and safe operation of equipment including autoclave, steamer, centrifuge, compound, dissecting and phase microscopes, fume hood, biosafety cabinet and any other required specialized equipment

• Assist instructors or faculty members with the development of new experiments for teaching and research

• In consultation with Instructors and/or faculty members, trouble-shoot and/or update existing experiments to improve pedagogy

• Recommend changes, revisions and corrections to student lab manuals and lab procedures

• Create and maintain technician course notes and communicate with faculty and instructors

• Service teaching equipment and maintain records

• Support Teaching Assistants during lab sessions to trouble-shoot technical issues as they arise and/or explain the principles behind experiments

Administrative Duties

• Source and order laboratory and preparation room maintenance supplies

• In consultation with instructors and faculty member(s) provide recommendations and costing to Associate Chair or Technical Manager for equipment to improve pedagogy

• Establish and maintain liaison with sales representatives for technical and price updates

• Prepare and maintain chemical inventory in accordance with UW and legislative requirements

Safety

• Maintain personal certifications as required by Safety Office

• Update posted safety procedures including WHMIS, hazardous waste disposal etc. so that they are current

• Maintain safety records for teaching and technical spaces

• Maintain equipment certifications and the associated records

• Prepare and maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Maintain first aid kits

• Maintain a working alone procedure

• Maintain safety inspection reports (eye wash station, spill kits, etc.) and report to the Department and Safety Office as required

Other

• Serve as a technical resource person for faculty, research associates and students in the development of their research projects

• Fill in as a teaching assistant where necessary.

• Serve as a support person in other areas of department operations (laboratory preparation and clean-up for other courses, other department initiatives) as required on an occasional and short-term basis as assigned by the Chair, Associate Chair, Administrative Officer or Technical Manager

• May serve on Department committees

• May supervise co-op students

Required Qualifications

Education

• BSc in Biology required, MSc preferred. Equivalent related education/experience will be considered

Experience

• 3+ years’ experience required. Requires broad knowledge of microbiology and molecular techniques, and competency in other fields including toxicology, physiology, cell biology, genetics and anatomy.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience trouble shooting and working with scientific equipment is essential.

• Requires a sound understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of lab offerings.

• Maintain current certification as required by the Safety Office.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential.

• Ability to think critically and make independent decisions.

• Ability to work with other technical staff in a team environment

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

• Basic skill level with Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Teams)

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.