Science Technician II - Biology (Bargaining Unit 179)

Date Posted: July 2, 2026

Posting Deadline: July 16, 2026

Department: Biology Department, Faculty of Science

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full Time

Group Affiliation: Bargaining Unit 179, Group 9 ($58,083 - $70,995 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Science Technician II - Biology to join our Faculty of Science team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Flexible Workplace
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Department Chairperson, the Science Technician II - Biology:

• Organizes and prepares necessary equipment and materials for Biology and some Environmental and Forensic Science laboratories as defined by Lab Manuals (where available) and instruction from faculty.
• Adapt labs on an ongoing basis to incorporate changes in techniques and faculty.
• Calculates and prepares chemical solutions (may be poisonous, carcinogenic, toxic, mutagenic),substances and specimens; pre-tests experiments and calibrates equipment for specific labs.
• Organizes and maintains stock cultures of living organisms in accordance with established and developed protocols. Recultures, incubates and refrigerates for long-term storage fungi, bacteria and viruses and provides daily upkeep of invertebrates, plants, fish and insects.
• Disassembles labs after sessions, ensuring correct disposal of hazardous waste. Autoclaves and sterilizes contaminated equipment, lab ware, specimens prior to cleaning process.
• Labels, catalogues and checks all stored materials according to established and developed protocols (WHIMIS/HAZMAT/MSDS).
• Instructs lab users on procedures, protocols and methodology as required. Ensures lab users are instructed in and adhere to departmental safety policies and procedures.
• Provides leadership and coordinates the activities of the technical staff, (e.g. assigns lab responsibilities for courses and specific administrative duties).
• Liaises with the Chair and represents the technical staff at departmental meetings.
• Instructs departmental faculty, employees, assistants, and students on safety and emergency response procedures when using lab equipment; instructs new staff and assistants on the Workplace and
• Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), proper waste disposal. Coordinates the completion of work instruction documents for all teaching and research labs.
• Provides assistance to faculty, and graduate, honours and research assistants in their research, as time permits.
• Assists in preparing the applications, interviewing, and hiring of co-operative education students.Prepares applications for external funding when available (Economic Development and Tourism, Employment Program).
• Maintains yearly service contract for lab equipment and instrumentation, as well as information pertaining to equipment repairs, calibrations and correct use.
• Maintains yearly warranties and maintenance agreements on various departmental equipment/instrumentation and arranges contracts with local service companies.
• Provides yearly, updated computerized versions of the chemical/hazardous material disposal database and chemical inventories to the Safety Co-ordinator.
• Maintains records of departmental expenditures; reconciles and reports departmental accounts to departmental chairperson.
• Anticipates materials required for each course; generates an annual list of required materials for tendering to biological and chemical supply companies, submits to Procurement Services for tendering.
• Maintains up-to-date inventories to be used in determining necessary purchases.
• Orders, receives, verifies and records supplies; recommends to Accounts Payable payment of verified materials, advises on back orders and lost shipments.
• Meets with sales representatives to discuss new products and equipment. Provides product specifications, obtains price quotations, selects vendor and submits requisitions to procurement Services for final processing.
• Maintains plants and the greenhouse at the University.
• Attends educational seminars.
• Ensures that the department has necessary and up-to-date licenses and permits to import specimens/chemicals, and to buy, store, and use alcohol, and other restricted chemicals.

The Collective Agreement can be viewed here.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Science Technician II - Biology you will have:

• B.Sc. in Biology or a related field
• Experience in Cell Biology, Microbiology and/or Molecular Biology techniques.
• Minimum two (2) years of directly related work experience
• WHMIS training.
• Chemical background.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to function independently and as part of a team.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].