Position Overview

The Department of Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory in the Cumming School of Medicine is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Simulation Operations Technician.

The position reports to the ATSSL Operations Manager of the Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory (ATSSL). 

The ATSSL provides a full complement of simulation modalities from human and animal cadaveric tissue to theater based simulation. The ATSSL is supported by the CSM University of
Calgary and AHS. This collaboration allows for ATSSL to deliver simulation based medical education (SBME) to collectively accommodate broad and diverse groups of learners, including
medical students, postgraduate residents and fellows, physician specialists, surgical specialists and family doctors, as well as nurses and allied health professionals. The state-of-the-art facilities, can accommodate small and large groups of learners simultaneously, in parallel streams.

Flexibility in work hours is a required as part of the regular work schedule. The position requires significant innovation and flexibility to support the various users of our labs, as well as the scope of the sessions. Many sessions involve over 50 learners in the lab simultaneously, split into multiple groups and rotating through stations and practicing diverse clinical skills. Given the variety of ATSSL users (healthcare providers along the full continuum of undergraduate training to continued professional development), the routine maintenance and operation of the lab is quite complex, and requires strong system thinking.

May be required to work some weekends and after regular work hours and, to work alone on occasion. Moderate to heavy physical tasks, must be able to lift up to 70 lbs. Long periods of standing and walking.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Coordinates the activities in the Clinical Simulation Lab with ATSSL Coordinator, Simulation Consultants, Faculty and Instructors to provide the correct material,
  instruments, equipment and supplies for each session

• Leads-manages in all aspects of planning and preparation for lab sessions, including the development and updating of related technical documents

• Leads in establishing and maintaining standards for the Clinical Simulation Lab by contributing in the development and evaluation of RCPSC standards, processes and
  procedures using highly refined technical writing skills\

• Ability to use interpersonal skills to interact with co-workers, faculty members, users of the facility and visitors in a professional and courteous manner

• Must take responsibility for ensuring continuous upgrading of technical skills and knowledge

• Maintain confidentiality, always respect and adhere to security regulations

• Always maintain technical and safety processes and procedures as per policies

• Plan effective use of time in accomplishing tasks, preparation for teaching sessions

• Manage and ensure reliable and safe operation of all laboratory equipment

• Trains other staff and students in the operation of equipment and laboratory protocols

• Assist with strategic planning of the technical infrastructure and integration of the simulation center in relation to the ATSSL mission statement

• Manage the preparation, staging and, care and maintenance of task trainers, simulators and accessory simulation equipment for education sessions. Co-develop processes, procedures, protocols and manuals using highly refined technical writing skills

• Manipulation of cadaveric and animal material to appropriately present material for sessions

• Preparation, care and maintenance of cadaveric material, animal material and fluids for education sessions

• Preparation, staging and, care and maintenance of task trainers, simulators and accessory simulation equipment for education sessions

• Responsible for equipment and inventory management. Handling, cleaning and decontaminating surgical instruments and equipment

• Must demonstrate respect and confidentiality with cadaveric material

• Strict adherence to confidentiality and professionalism during assessment and exam sessions is obligatory

• Ensure compliance, of self and others, to the Environment Health and Safety (EH&S) standards established by UCalgary and Alberta Occupational Health and Safety

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science or Anatomy required with a Minimum 2 years of technical experience or completion of post-secondary education in related discipline is required
• Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSIH) Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations
• Specialist (CHSOS) designation an asset or a willingness to obtain
• Graduate from a recognized MDR Program and operating room experience is an asset
• Previous experience with human or animal cadaveric tissues in a hospital, veterinary or research setting preferred
• 3+ years of related technical experience with Medical simulation and research required
• Demonstrate understanding of medical simulation modalities and technologies
• Demonstrated technical writing skills required
• Carry out duties, independently, with minimal supervision
• Good physical health with the ability to move tables, carts and other equipment
• Must be capable of lifting up to 70 lbs
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Flexible work schedule, as required. Ability to work some weekends and modified shifts
• Must be able to work, daily, in spaces where cadaveric material is displayed and stored
• Must exercise tact, discretion, respect and confidentiality in all matters and during all sessions
• Excellent communication skills required to interact with other team members, researchers and facility users
• Must be fluent in written and spoken English
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable

Application Deadline:  August 17, 2022

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase II.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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.

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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.