Pathobiology Skills-based Lab Instructor-Technician
Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1
Department: Pathobiology
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120
Temporary full-time from 10/05/2026 to 10/04/2028
If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)
General Purpose
Reporting to the Department Chair, the Pathobiology Skills-based Lab Instructor-Technician works with Pathobiology faculty on the strategic design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of laboratory-based instructional methodologies in departmental courses, with a primary focus on DVM student laboratory training. The role supports the development and documentation of protocols and standard operating procedures, coordinates instructional logistics, liaises with faculty and external technical representatives, and contributes subject-matter expertise to enhance high-quality experiential learning at the Ontario Veterinary College.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Coordinate and support in-house training for Pathobiology laboratory components, including anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, comparative pathology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and immunology.
- Develop and document laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, practicum manuals, and evaluation standards in consultation with faculty subject matter experts.
- Develop and deliver pre-laboratory, safety, equipment-specific, and small-group instructional sessions focused on technical skills and safe laboratory practice.
- Monitor student progress in the laboratory, assemble reports and assessments, record grades, provide feedback, and intervene when needed to support student learning objectives.
- Collect, curate, and document laboratory samples and teaching materials, including digital gross and histology images and biological samples such as cadavers, tissues, blood, urine, feces, and milk.
- Liaise with external agencies, industry representatives, suppliers, and professional contacts to secure materials, technical expertise, and appropriate adherence to University and laboratory requirements.
- Conduct independent risk assessments of methodologies and contribute to compliance with safety, biosafety, ethical, regulatory, reputational, and academic standards.
- Provide specialized technical guidance, formal training, and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty subject matter experts.
- Other duties as assigned by the Departmental Chair.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in a field related to Pathobiology is required to independently design, validate, and approve laboratory-based methodologies; PhD preferred.
- Veterinary Diagnostic or Research Lab experience.
- Up to and including 36 months of progressively responsible experience designing or delivering advanced laboratory-based instruction and managing external partnerships.
- Advanced scientific and laboratory judgment to ensure instructional and technical accuracy.
- Advanced communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and presentation skills, including the ability to tailor instruction and resolve issues with professionalism and diplomacy.
- Demonstrated proficiency with microscopy, WHMIS principles and safe use of hazardous chemicals and biologicals, live animal handling, animal dissection, microbiology laboratory assays, culture, hematological analysis, urinalysis, parasitological analysis, and immunological analysis.
- Strong program management, analytical, relationship-building, and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage multiple overlapping and conflicting priorities while meeting deadlines.
Candidates need to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including the use and maintenance of benchtop laboratory analytic equipment.
- Knowledge of medical terminology.
- Experience with light microscope and photomicroscope setup, usage, and basic maintenance; familiarity with digital microscopy.
- Working knowledge of databases, database management, word processing, spreadsheet development and management.
- Computer and information technology skills including:
- Ability to use MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, SharePoint, Teams, plus an ability to master Courselink (Desire2Learn), and other teaching/learning-related software and equipment.
- Ability to create, digitize, and manipulate digital media (images, videos, etc.,) with editing software.
- Ability to work with, and maintain, specialized laboratory equipment and materials, including but not limited to multiple microscope types, centrifuges, biological samples, hazardous chemicals, incubators, postmortem equipment, biosafety cabinets, thermocyclers, and computers.
- Rabies vaccination is a requirement for this job but is not required prior to application.
Employee Type: Temporary
Position Number: 10928566
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 7
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid
*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.
At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.
Posting Date: 09/21/2026
Closing Date: 09/28/2026