Research Assistant/Tech 4

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4

Job Title
Research Assistant/Tech 4

Department
Aparicio Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$5,068.91 - $5,946.08 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
April 23, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Apr 25, 2025

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

This full-time position involves providing technical support in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology for researchers on current ongoing research projects. Individuals should possess a strong background and knowledge in microscopy, cell biology, immunohistochemistry and biochemistry, with experience in tissue culture, histology, microscopy, and usage of confocal and fluorescence microscopes. Recent hands-on experience with antibody labelling and immunohistochemistry will be considered an asset.

The candidate will get exposure to and operate advanced cutting-edge technology in breast cancer research. The Aparicio lab uses the latest technologies to rapidly identify genes that are involved in the development of breast cancer. Through the use of transcriptome methods coupled with our knowledge of single-cell genomics to track clonal trajectories at the single-cell level in patient tissues, where we hope to gain a better understanding of the tumour microenvironment.

The successful applicant will work under the direction, guidance and supervision of Dr. Samuel Aparicio, Principal Investigator and his designates. This position will provide the candidate with exposure to breast cancer research, translational research, advanced cutting-edge microscopy technology and techniques, as well as, providing opportunities to work collaboratively with industry partners and other researchers globally; the position start date is flexible.

Organizational Status
Aparicio Lab is located in the Department of Molecular Oncology at BC Cancer Research Institute in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The candidate will report directly to Dr. Samuel Aparicio or the Laboratory and Research Operations Manager.
Work Performed

• Act as the technical lead on project(s) - responsible for the project's experimental execution and technical progression, data generation and analysis, project-specific training and the overall technical outcome of the project.
• Act as the technical subject matter expert in the usage of sensitive equipment and novel techniques. Responsible for providing technical expertise, guidance, recommendations, and project support in the areas of histology, cell biology, protein biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and tissue culture.
• Manages the daily operation and maintenance of specialized equipment including the responsibility of forecasting consumable usage, maintaining inventory required for normal equipment operation and maintenance, and when required, providing technical service/support for other researchers.
• Develops, designs and writes novel experimental and equipment operational protocols; establishing new standard operating procedures (SOP) and experimental protocols for highly specialized equipment.
• Designs, modifies, plans, performs, troubleshoots and executes complex experiments utilizing complex techniques on specialized equipment and systems such as the “Fluidigm Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometry” and the “Akoya Biosciences CODEX systems.”
• Responsible for operating, providing support and maintaining highly sensitive, high-valued, specialized equipment that requires specialized training for operations.
• Perform general histology processing such as scroll cutting, dewaxing, fixing, rehydrating tissue, and antigen retrieval.
• Perform immunohistochemistry techniques such as antibody labelling, handling and working with antibodies, antibody conjugation, and antibody labelling.
• Maintain cell cultures and generation of new cell lines using aseptic techniques.
• Oversee the progress of the projects and organize and present in project meetings to project stakeholders.
• Maintains laboratory records and experimental data; when required summarizes results in research reports and lab presentations
• When required, assist senior researchers with creating, writing and developing documentation, illustrations, and figures that will be used in grant or manuscript submission.
• Carries out any other related duties as assigned or required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of this level of technician.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The work is complex and requires a high level of training, tasks are assigned and the incumbent exercises a considerable amount of responsibility, initiative and judgment in determining their work schedule to achieve those tasks. Errors may result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable tissue samples, loss of thousands of dollars of material and/or damage to equipment.  Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to a loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly. Noncompliance with general lab safety, biosafety and chemical safety regulations may also result in the closure of the facility or loss of grant funding.
Supervision Received
The successful applicant will work under minimum supervision. From time to time, Principal Investigator(s), Project lead(s) or Laboratory Research and Operations Manager may provide specific instructions on unusual problems or new project outlines. This position will report to the Principal Investigator(s) or Laboratory Research and Operations Manager.   
Supervision Given
Depending on experience and expertise, the successful applicant may be required to assist in the training and minor supervision of Staff researcher, Jr. or Sr. Technical staff, graduate students and student trainees, including providing instruction on the use of lab equipment and procedures, and will help troubleshoot experiments in their area of expertise.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• An MSc in Biological Sciences (Molecular Biology or other relevant fields), preferred
• Preference will be given to applicants with work experience in microscopy, antibody labelling and cell biology.
• A working knowledge and understanding of microscopy, cell culture, cell biology and biochemistry, histology and immunohistochemistry.
• Hands-on working experience with antibody labelling/conjugation, histology and immunohistochemistry.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Hands-on experience with Akoya Bioscience CODEX system, Fluidigm Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometry or Fluidgim CyToF2 or equivalent imaging equipment would be highly valued and considered a great asset.
• Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular, biochemistry and cellular biology. Experience in troubleshooting of immunocytochemistry and antibody labelling/conjugation would be an asset.
• Demonstrates understanding of experimental design histology, immunochemistry and assay optimization.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills (orally and written) and the ability to interact positively and productively with other team members are essential.
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills.
• The successful candidate must be well-organized, conscientious, understand the importance of detail, and be able to multi-task and prioritize duties effectively.