91ÒùĸÊÓƵ

The major goal of the MSBU facility is to have accessible equipment and training for molecular biology techniques for everyone at the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ. We extend an invitation to our external academic community to use the facility for their research program, especially those who do not currently use molecular techniques or use only a limited set, so that we can enhance the breadth of our research programs.

We provide a flexible fee schedule, which reflects the level of training and technical support required.

At present, we provide the following services and/or  training:

• DNA sequencing
• DNA fragment size analysis
• Quantitative PCR
• Bioanalyzer Training
• Next Generation Sequencing

In addition to basic and advanced training, a major role of the facility will be to provide a range of general and specialized services in molecular biology for DNA sequencing, fragment analysis (i.e., microsatellites, and AFLPs), and other techniques and applications at the best possible prices.

Who gets to use the facility?

Personnel permitted access are:

• Faculty members
• Technicians
• Support Staff
• Post-doctoral Fellows
• Graduate students

Anyone who does not fit into one of the above categories must be approved by the oversight committee. The rules of personnel access apply to all users given permission to use the facility.

The MBSU does not allow untrained users into the facility. Access is tracked with the ONECard reader, and your supervisor will be held responsible for your conduct while using the facility.

Access policy for collaborators outside the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ:

• The primary goal of the facility is to serve users in the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ, but collaborative projects are encouraged as long as they are along the general lines of research of the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ partner.
• The 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ partner must be demonstrably working on the collaboration.
• Outside partners can use equipment in the facility and pay for services, as long as they (or their personnel) are in the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ to perform the bulk of the work.
• Large collaborative projects will be passed to the oversight committee for consideration for approval. If approved, priority of access to equipment or technical assistance may be given to other users.

Facility Operating Hours

The facility is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. where you can access via an approved ONEcard or phone the lab at (780) 492-1066 for MBSU staff to let you in. 

After-hours access can only be gained by using an approved 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ ONEcard. 

Rules of Personnel Access

Anyone who is trained appropriately can use any of the resources in the MBSU, but there are general rules that must be followed before and during use, by all users.

• The MBSU technicians will have full and priority access to equipment and laboratory space during the day. They will have primary care and control of the facility, and the oversight committee will support them in enforcing the rules and regulations. The technicians will monitor the facility and strictly enforce a fair-usage schedule.
• Users will not allow others to come into the facility after hours. In other words, you may not bring in friends to help you along after hours. You (and your supervisor) will be held responsible for everything that happens while interlopers are present. Your presence in the facility will be recorded with your ONEcard, and transgressions will result in suspension of access privileges.
• Individuals must be trained on each piece of major equipment before use, or demonstrate to an MBSU technician that they know how to do so. Major equipment includes the automated sequencers, nucleic acid analyzers, robotics platforms, floor centrifuge, plate centrifuges, imaging systems, quantitative PCR machines, and computers.  Following the completion of training, first-time users will be supervised by the relevant MBSU technician. Training sessions will be held as they are required.
• After completion of training on a new piece of equipment, users abide by all the rules and regulations of the facility.  The individual will then be allowed general access to the facility.

Equipment Availability, Bookings and Cancellations

Most equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis, after users complete any
mandatory training or received approval to use the equipment by MBSU staff.

If you need to reserve a particular equipment, users may book the machine by leaving a
note on the equipment or workbench containing: