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Department of Biology
Hours: Monday to Friday, shift
This position supports the Stewart Biology and Bellini buildings.
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, the Technical Assistant provides technical support to departmental infrastructures, including the Phytotron, Biology receiving, building and critical laboratory equipment used for research and teaching. The incumbent acts as a resource person for daily maintenance and serves as a liaison with service representatives for departmental equipment. Responsibilities also include providing backup support for the receiving area, during building emergencies, and supporting teaching tabs when required.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide technical support to departmental infrastructures (Phytotron, Building and specialized equipment, Receiving).
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of phytotron facility equipment including central vacuum system, portable vacuums, soil mixer, autoclave, hoist, and greenhouse hoses. Clean and prepare growth chambers for new experiments weekly. Provide support to annual and seasonal maintenances.
Review service agreements and advise manager for discrepancies, check deadlines and request quotes for renewal of service agreements (annually).
Perform minor repairs and assist with maintenance of equipment. Troubleshoot and test autoclaves and reports data on appropriate spreadsheets as per EHS requirements. Act as a contact person for malfunctioning equipment such as autoclaves, centrifuges, freezers, dishwashers and water purifier systems. Perform minor repairs or arrange for service call as appropriate.
Schedule and coordinate site visits for preventive maintenance and repairs in two different buildings (Stewart Biology, Bellini). Act as contact person for site visits with service representatives.
Maintain and monitor the reservation schedule for equipment by users. Track number of users using equipment and provide quarterly reports for processing user fees.
Place orders for supplies, request purchase order number and obtains quotes for service and repairs for equipment. Maintain inventory of supplies and list of equipment.
Submit work order requests on FAMIS for minor repairs related to the building. Provide on-site assistance to the Building and Infrastructure Supervisor for liaison with University Services in case of emergencies or repairs. Help maintain key databases.
Receive packages, log shipment and contact recipients. Ensure the storage of perishable and non-perishable packages as appropriate.
Assist users with liquid nitrogen, dry ice and waste disposal. Perform the weekly eye wash stations inspections.
Act as back up to technical staff during vacation or during breaks for the receiving area and phytotron facility.
Act as a back up to technical staff in teaching labs in case of prolonged absences
The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete and detailed list of tasks which may be performed by an employee whose position has been matched to this generic job description.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:
Bilingual; excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both English and French.
Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Education related to Biology is an asset.
Ability to perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, and troubleshoot issues with specialized lab equipment (included but not limited to autoclaves, centrifuges, freezers, etc.).
Proactive problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues take appropriate steps to resolve them.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain accurate documentation in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Strong attention to detail in all aspects of work.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with service providers and supporting faculty, staff, and students.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, with flexibility to provide backup support when needed.
First aid training is an asset.
Ability to carry and move material and equipment of up to 50lbs.
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Hourly Salary:
Hours per Week:
Supervisor:
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.