Teaching/Collections Technician

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

About the Role

Provides technical support for a variety of undergraduate and graduate laboratory courses in Biological Sciences, especially those in organismal biology and natural history (biology/evolution/anatomy/morphology/taxonomy) of animals (e.g. insect biology, invertebrate and vertebrate biology) as well as some other courses/disciplines: prepares, sets up and maintains laboratory equipment, materials and specimens/dissections for use in student demonstrations and experiments; prepares and dispenses complex reagents and stock solutions; orders and maintains live/perishable specimens; assists/advises students and others on technical procedures/techniques, demonstrations, equipment operation and lab safety. Monitors and maintains the Teaching Collections facility and the large and diverse holdings of natural history specimens (e.g. insects, marine invertebrates, vertebrates, bones/skeletons, skins, fossils) for teaching use.

Full Job Description 

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with courses in organismal biology, natural history of animals and chemistry.  3 years of experience.  An equivalent combination of formal education, certificate/program of study and experience is acceptable.  

• Excellent knowledge of laboratory skills in organismal biology and natural history (biology/evolution/anatomy/morphology/taxonomy) of animals (insects, marine invertebrates, vertebrates, bones/skeletons), as well as knowledge of general biology and some other biology lab disciplines (e.g. animal or plant physiology, ecology).
• Good knowledge of a wide variety of biology laboratory equipment (e.g. pH meters, balances, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, water baths), materials and techniques used in biological sciences laboratories, and their general maintenance/care; ability to learn operation of new/other equipment and techniques as needed on-the-job.
• Ability to gently handle a variety of small and/or delicate specimens, both living and preserved (e.g. insects, fish, marine invertebrates, vertebrates).
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, specimen preparation and maintenance techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate good macro and micro dissection skills (e.g. to demonstrate an insect brain).
• Ability to prepare complex reagents and solutions using quantitative and qualitative techniques.
• Ability to adapt, modify, demonstrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and procedures.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338):

• An additional 14% pay in lieu of benefits 
• After 4 consecutive months in the position, pay in lieu of benefits is increased to 20% 
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information

The assignment end date is March 31, 2027.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.