Job Type

Continuing

Close Date

01/09/2026

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

CALM Institute

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 9

Salary Range

$30.84 - $47.65 (hourly)

Hours per Week

37.5

Target Number of Openings

1

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Career Level

Requires 3 years of relevant experience

Applications will be reviewed mid-January, with an anticipated fill date of early-February.

Job Description

JD00648

Unit description

The Centre for Advanced Light Microscopy is a Core Research Platform developed in close collaboration between the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences. McMaster’s CALM facility supports research and training in many fields by providing researchers access to world-class light microscopy instrumentation and techniques, expertise, technical support and imaging services. CALM operates as a user facility dedicated to the advancement of knowledge using a wide assortment of light microscopy, force microscopy, photo-patterning, and light-assisted 3D printing techniques. High-end equipment includes confocal microscopes, total internal reflection microscopes, super-solution microscopes, and laser microdissection systems, among other light microscopy instrumentation, as well as scanning probe atomic force microscopes (AFM). Associated infrastructure for biological sample preparation and processing is available to enable researchers to conduct investigations with live cell and tissue specimens.

CALM maintains a close working relationship with many other facilities on campus, including the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM), with which it aims to establish workflows that enable correlative light/electron microscopy investigations – a key differentiator for the facility. CALM is also an active participant in events and initiatives developed by the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research.

Job summary

The Research Laboratory Technician (V) is responsible for providing specialized research support to faculty members in their research and teaching laboratory activities. Requires a sound working knowledge of the technology and comprehension of the theory of a specialized field or science is applied and adapted to new research situations. Performs a full range of laboratory technician assignments and uses considerable judgement in making decisions requiring the interpretation and application of guidelines. Provides lead hand supervision to other staff in the laboratory.

Purpose and key functions

• Design, adapt, and perform specialized in-vitro and in-vivo procedures.
• Organize and conduct specialized research experiments.
• Modify and adapt test procedures and equipment to meet specialized requirements.
• Use statistical software to conduct moderate and complex statistical analyses and calculations.
• Write sections of scientific papers, funding proposals, and abstracts.
• Perform various in-vitro and in-vivo procedures that are moderately complex and specialized.
• Provide recommendations for procedure modifications and development of the research protocol methodologies.
• Adapt and modify established methods, assays, techniques, and equipment for various laboratory and test procedures.
• Liaise with other laboratories, external departments, and agencies to coordinate resources and schedules to meet research objectives.
• Develop presentations and present information at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Recognize and investigate apparent reasons for obvious deviations in results obtained.
• Write a variety of documents such as technical and procedural sections for research reports and standard operating procedures.
• Observe details and maintain accurate records of experiments and results.
• Log samples and related pertinent information.
• Gather and compile experimental results and assist in the preparation of data for reports and publications.
• Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
• Provide updates at research group meetings.
• Responsible for keeping laboratory facilities, equipment, and area in clean, safe working order.
• Assemble and adjust tests and laboratory equipment for experiments and procedures.
• Operate, adjust, and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment and scientific instruments.
• Ensure adequate supplies are available for experiments.
• Schedule laboratory equipment for use.
• Demonstrate and train others on experimental techniques and the operation of laboratory equipment.
• Prepare chemical reagents and biomedical media according to formulae and assume responsibility for accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions.
• Pipette a variety of reagents and media.
• Monitor supplies and order inventories.
• Responsible for the proper storage of materials and the appropriate disposal of waste.
• Adhere to standardized procedures and protocols when dispensing chemicals and base media.
• Input, maintain, and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
• Conduct literature searches and write literature reviews.

Supervision

Provide lead hand supervision and is responsible for the quality and quantity of work of others.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 4 years of relevant experience.

Additional Information

• Hands-on experience with cell culture techniques, including maintenance of primary cells and established cell lines
• Proficiency in biological sample preparation for microscopy (e.g., fixation, staining, sectioning, mounting)
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and laboratory safety practices.
• Experience with live cell imaging and quantitative image analysis.
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience in tissue clearance, tissue expansion and related advanced microscopy imaging approaches.

Total Rewards

McMaster offers a robust, market-driven total rewards package. To learn more about total rewards available to the members of Unifor, Local 5555, Unit 1, you can access an overview here: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2019/11/Unifor-Local-5555-Unit-1-Total-Rewards-Overview-August-2025-protected.docx .

Our total rewards package includes, but is not limited to:

• Employer Paid benefits such as Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage, Life Insurance.
• Participation in a Pension plan
• Progressive paid annual vacation plan.
• Employee tuition assistance for continuous development and education.
• Opportunity to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.