Description
The
Diagnostic Services Unit in the
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term
Senior Necropsy Technician for approximately 1 year.
Reporting to the DSU Manager and receiving day-to-day direction from the Necropsy Supervisor and the UCVM pathologists, the Necropsy Technician carries out various activities that support the anatomic pathology service.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Must work as part of a team to support teaching and service activities of the DSU. Responsible for working effectively with the Necropsy Supervisor, UCVM pathologists, and other DSU staff as required
- Carry out submission receiving (including use of the Laboratory Information Management System), and storage and preparation of animals for necropsy by pathologists
- Perform specimen gross trimming and decalcification of bone tissue as required
- Perform cleaning of the necropsy area, layout room and other areas as required with associated documentation and in accordance with established biosafety standards
- Expected to follow strict safety standards to avoid disease, contamination, or personal injury of themselves or others
- Work with chemicals safely and properly, e.g. during preparation of reagents and dilutions, using appropriate containers and protective gear
- Perform and demonstrate to others skilled technical procedures such as specialized dissection techniques, sample collection, removal of organs, bone splitting and using a band saw
- Expected to participate in training and mentoring new necropsy lab staff members
- Set-up camera and lighting, perform photography of in situ and ex situ tissues and organs to generate publication-quality anatomic photographs. Use a complex image-editing program, for example PhotoShop, as required. Coach others in anatomic photography techniques
- Perform general laboratory maintenance, including ensuring that supplies are stocked in the laboratory and that requirements to order new supplies are communicated as required
- Disposal of animal tissue and other biohazardous waste originating within the pathology department and coming from other areas in the building or other sources, including associated documentation
- Collection of tissue samples/fluids and the preparation of samples for shipment to external diagnostic laboratories
- Additional responsibilities include the operation of a forklift, winches, hoists and scales and may include operation of a delivery or passenger van, 1-ton vehicle, and retrieval of carcasses off-campus
- Pick up and safely transport specimens needed for the teaching and research programs, as required
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A post-secondary degree such as a BSc degree in a relevant field (e.g. a Life Sciences degree) or a diploma in Animal Health Technology or Medical Laboratory diploma (or a related field) is required. An equivalent combination of relevant laboratory-specific education and experience will be considered
- Ability to work with dead animals is required as is previous experience working or training in an animal industry or veterinary environment
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in a veterinary post-mortem lab or similar setting is required; technical skills and proficiency in veterinary anatomic or necropsy techniques are also required
- Knowledge of veterinary comparative anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, and zoonotic disease is required
- Experience with dissection instruments and the ability to perform specialized technical dissections is required
- Experience with procedures, equipment, supplies and procedures used in a post-mortem laboratory is required
- Experience in demonstrating specialized dissection techniques is required
- The ability to distinguish normal tissue from lesions and to accurately and precisely trim the tissues for further processing is required
- Strong photographic skills are required to produce publication-quality images, as is knowledge of anatomic photography and PhotoShop or similar image-editing software
- Sound knowledge of the principles of sanitation and disinfection is required
- Familiarity with working with various types of equipment is required. This may be achieved through a variety of means, such as construction equipment, vehicles, or laboratory equipment
- The ability to disassemble/assemble and maintain equipment is required and mechanical aptitude is considered an asset
- Strong computer skills, in particular the ability to work with the Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of management of electronic records or database is required
- Ability to perform physically demanding and manual work, with some heavy lifting and use of large animal handling equipment is required
- Understanding of and ability to work using industry specific laboratory safety standards is critical
- Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate both verbal and written is essential as well as the ability to interact with members of the public and other members of UCVM and the University community in a courteous, empathetic, and professional manner
- Must be personable and able to respond professionally when faced with multiple demands and short timelines
- Must possess a valid Class 5 driver license and a clean driver's abstract
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the
Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our
Management and Staff Careers website.
About The University Of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy
ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. 