<Technical Curator>

Department:

Biology

Effective Date:

August 1, 2008

Grade:

USG 7

30 hr/wk

Reports to:

The Assistant Director of the Canadian Phycological Culture

General Accountability

The Technical Curator is accountable to the Assistant Director of the Canadian Phycological Culture Centre (CPCC) and to the Manager of the CPCC.

Nature and Scope

The incumbent is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of the Culture Centre including all cultures and growth chambers. The CPCC provides cultures and related services to clients in academic, government and commercial laboratories worldwide. The supply of research quality cultures for distribution to these users, for undergraduate courses and faculty research is achieved through planning, co-ordination, technical expertise and facility management.

Size of the Facility

7 controlled environmental growth chambers
Facility used by approximately 150 clients annually
Approximately 500 strains of algae, cyanobacteria and aquatic macrophytes are maintained in active growth
25 cryopreserved strains are maintained in liquid nitrogen and this is expected to increase

Primary role is propagation, growth and care of research quality cultures of algae, cyanobacteria and aquatic macrophytes housed in controlled environment chambers and provision of these cultures to clients on an international basis. The position also requires the incumbent to deal with various clients on ongoing projects; to tailor services to the client’s needs and encourage repeat business and referrals. The quality of the cultures and services provided can affect the reputation of the CPCC, the Department and the University.

Duties include

Culture, isolation and propagation of algae, cyanobacteria and aquatic macrophytes
Evaluation of strains for correct identification and taxonomy, correctly identifying strains through trained taxonomy and experience
Supply clients with high quality strains and services on a timely basis
Purification of algae and cyanobacteria through micro manipulation and culturing of media
Maintain collection of 500-600 isolates in healthy condition and provide 400-500 cultures to over 150 users annually
Perform custom-isolation of algae and cyanobacteria and provide identification services for clients
Cryopreservation of the strains

Many species of algae and cyanobacteria are fastidious, difficult to keep in long-term culture and/or to keep healthy in an axenic state. Isolation and purification of microorganisms is highly demanding and unpredictable in outcome requiring great hand-eye coordination and patience. Careful preparation of cultures to ensure safe delivery in optimal condition to international users is of utmost importance.

Additional responsibilities include:

Establishing and maintaining liaisons with sales representatives for technical and price updates and to discuss new technologies for culturing
Servicing and maintenance of all associated equipment in satisfactory working condition with the ability to troubleshoot problems and contact service personnel when required
Updating safety procedures, including maintenance of first-aid supplies, and proper disposal of hazardous materials through Chem Stores

Maintenance of Facility

Cleaning and disinfection of growth chambers as well as basic repairs and scheduled maintenance of all equipment including growth chambers, microscopes, laminar flow hood.

Computer Systems

Basic computer knowledge, Excel, Word and Access and knowledge of website management will be required

Supervision

Together with the Manager of the CPCC, the Curator is jointly responsible for training and supervision of Work-Study and Co-op students and volunteers, giving specific detailed instructions and reviewing completed work to ensure accuracy.

Statistical Data

Annual number of requests for services	180
Annual number of clients	150
Annual Operating Budget	$80,000

Specific Accountabilities

Provide support to the Manager of the CPCC.
Maintain a request tracking system, logging incoming requests, maintain records of cultures and information provided.
Update the databases with new data as it becomes available, reviewing the data when required.
Undertaking other duties, as assigned by the Assistant Director and/or the Manager of CPCC.

Working Conditions

Much of the time is spent in a clean laboratory space. The work requires a combination of sitting and standing. Microscopy is performed on a daily basis and requires good eye-hand coordination, concentration and attention to fine details. There is a frequent need to give close attention to various stimuli such as written material and information given verbally to co-workers. The work is varied. There are deadline pressures, while at the same time there is a demand for thoroughness and accuracy. Time management is of critical importance to ensure that the health of the cultures is maintained and clients are not inconvenienced.