Surgical Processor Jobs in Edmonton, AB (NOW HIRING)

This position has a term length of 11 months.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The Department of Surgery at the University of Alberta comprises 15 divisions and offers comprehensive programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. In addition to its core divisions, the department includes numerous research groups that drive cutting-edge advancements in areas such as transplantation, joint preservation and regeneration, and surgical simulation technology. Established in 1922, the department has long been a leader in the field, committed to balancing technological innovation with the human touch that defines the art of surgery. Its overarching mission is to restore health through surgical intervention while upholding patient dignity and comfort as essential components of care. 

The Surgical Technologist at the Ray Rajotte Surgical Medical Research Institute (RRSMRI) provides specialized technical support for research involving surgical procedures on large and small animal models as well as human cadavers. This role ensures that all activities are conducted in compliance with institutional SOPs, approved ethics protocols, and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines. Reporting directly to the Facility Supervisor and Director, the technologist coordinates and facilitates the smooth operation of RRSMRIs surgical suites, including scheduling procedures, preparing equipment, maintaining sterile environments, and ensuring instrumentation readiness.

The technologist independently performs advanced anesthesia techniques such as Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA), monitors intraoperative vital signs, and provides post-operative care. In addition, the role includes contributing to the operation and maintenance of the RRSMRI Biochemistry Laboratory, where they assist with sample handling, documentation, inventory, and basic analytical procedures. Flexibility to work evenings or weekends is essential, along with the ability to problem-solve, support diverse research projects, and collaborate effectively with investigators, trainees, and external partners.

• A two year Animal Health Technology Diploma is mandatory.

• Registered Animal Veterinary Technologist with current membership in good standing as a 

  Registered Veterinary Technologist with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (AVTA) is mandatory.

• Competent skills in performing required technical procedures.
• Anesthetic and/or analgesic preparation, administration and monitoring knowledge required.
• The ability to perform some heavy lifting and transportation of large animals and cages is required.
• Willing to acquire required training as deemed necessary to comply with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and University guidelines for ethical treatment and handling, sterile techniques, biohazard and radiation safety, such as WHMIS, UofA laboratory and biosafety courses, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate.
• Additional professional development and continuing education such as that offered by the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS).
• Working knowledge of general office equipment and computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Applications and/or in-house software as required.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.
• Familiarity with teleconferencing and video conferencing equipment is an asset.
• Knowledge of University of Alberta policies and procedures is an asset.
• Prior experience in a surgical laboratory environment is an asset.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

• Perform all tasks in accordance with University, Faculty, and RRSMRI standards, including compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), institutional protocols, and policies.
• Provide technical support for RRSMRI clients based on approved ethics protocols.
• Coordinate and schedule surgical suite time to accommodate client procedures and optimize operating room availability.
• Manage and maintain surgical equipment and supply inventories, including scheduling equipment for internal and external use.
• Report directly to the Facility Supervisor and Director on operations, scheduling, and equipment needs.
• Ensure technical tasks are carried out in strict adherence to approved SOPs and research protocols.
• Exercise initiative and problem-solving skills to proactively identify and resolve technical or procedural issues.
• Work independently post-training with advanced knowledge of surgical instrumentation used in large/small animal models and human cadavers.
• Set up surgical equipment and materials for both recovery and non-recovery procedures.
• Perform physical tasks, including lifting and moving large animals, to facilitate surgical preparation and post-surgical care.
• Complete required training in CCAC, U of A, and RRSMRI guidelines on animal handling, biosafety, aseptic techniques, and radiation safety.
• Offer flexible availability, including evenings and weekends, based on surgical and research demands.
• Assist with animal ordering, husbandry coordination, and setup of training sessions or lab events.
• Maintain a collaborative and positive working environment by supporting team members, users, and equipment representatives.
• Contribute to monthly facility reports and summaries of RRSMRI activities.
• Administer Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) in large animal models using infusion pumps and monitoring devices; continuously assess vital signs (heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, capnography, and state of consciousness) to ensure safe and effective anesthesia management.
• Stay current on anesthesia and analgesia protocols, including pharmaceutical agents and their appropriate applications.
• Perform venous and arterial catheterization (e.g., jugular and carotid vessels) for fluid and drug delivery.
• Conduct sterile bladder catheterization procedures using Foley catheters in large animal models.