Description
The Diagnostic Services Unit in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Histology Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 34 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Manager, Operations DSU, the Histology Technician receives day-to-day direction from the Histology Laboratory Supervisor and is primarily responsible for supporting the Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU), which contributes to the diagnostic, teaching, and research mission of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). Undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty members, research staff, and external partner clinics utilize the DSU for support of diagnostic, teaching/learning, and research activities.
The laboratory work environment has the inherent potential for exposure to dangerous materials and situations. However, risk of exposure or injury is substantially decreased through application of safe work practices and protocols.
The position is predominantly located within the Clinical Skills Building at the Spy Hill Campus; however, there may be a requirement to travel to the Foothills Campus on occasion. This position works 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday, but on occasion, work outside regular hours may be required. Consequently, a degree of flexibility is required.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- The incumbent must be comfortable working in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory environment and with handling fresh, frozen, and embalmed animal cadavers, organs, tissues, bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions for the purpose of preparation, preservation, and use in the various diagnostic, research and teaching programs of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM)
- Required to adhere to DSU Quality Management System practices, Standard Operating Procedures, and associated documentation
- Required to ensure and maintain accurate and legible identification of ALL tissue samples, tissue blocks, slides and their corresponding documents
- Required to ensure and maintain accurate and legible documentation for histology procedures and equipment as per the corresponding SOP
- Responsible for and expected to perform a variety of complex histology procedures including tissue trimming/grossing, decalcifying, processing (using a vacuum infiltration processor), embedding, microtomy (manual and automated), H&E and special stains (manual and automated), and coverslipping (manual and automated)
- Required to set-up, operate safely, maintain and troubleshoot a variety of histology laboratory equipment including but not limited to microtomes, tissue processors, slide stainers and digital slide scanners
- Required to maintain the laboratory space including but not limited to reagent preparation, restocking supplies, chemical and consumable inventory, filing, garbage disposal, general housekeeping. Responsible for proper waste disposal of sharps, biohazards, and chemicals as per U of C Chematix guidelines
- Assist the Histology Supervisor with reviewing current procedures, and implementing new procedures or equipment within the laboratory
- Research and recommend new equipment and techniques pertaining to histology as required. (e.g. digital pathology, immunohistochemistry)
- Advises the DSU Manager of any incident or occupational illness as outlined in University of Calgary Safety and Security protocols
- Is familiar with the University of Calgary statement on Principles of Conduct, and conducts themselves according to these principles in ALL situations when representing the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine or while acting on behalf of the University
- Works and communicates collaboratively in a team environment with the DSU Histology Supervisor, and other DSU personnel. Fosters a positive and productive work environment
- Performs other related activities as required
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A related post-secondary credential and a minimum of two years of experience in a histology laboratory environment is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered, such as relevant courses with certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
- Experience, technical background, knowledge, technical skills, and proficiency in histological techniques and using equipment related to histology required
- Experience in animal histology and in a diagnostic laboratory would be considered an asset
- Experience in immunohistochemistry and cytology would be considered assets
- Experience with digital slide scanning would be considered an asset
- Familiarity with basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology
- Familiarity with microanatomy would be an asset
- The incumbent must be flexible and organized in order to manage fluctuating workload and respond in a timely manner to requests associated with such things as performing special stains. Tasks must be performed with exceptional accuracy and efficiency
- The ability to interact with members of the public and other members of UCVM and the University community in a courteous, empathetic, and professional manner is required
- Excellent communication (written and oral), organization, documentation, interpersonal, and customer service skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and function effectively as part of a team
- Understanding of and ability to work using industry specific laboratory safety standards
- Proficiency with computers, excellent MS Office Suite skills
Application Deadline: May 6, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
