Research Assistant/Technician 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/Technician 4

Department
Research | Jefferies | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science

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

Posting End Date
February 2, 2024

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

Job End Date

Jul 15, 2024

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

The Research Technician will manage the daily operations and experiments for a neuroscience-based research project within the laboratory which is focused on developing novel therapies for neuro-inflammatory diseases including types of depression, Alzheimer’s disease, amongst others. Emphasis for this position is to maintain general lab operations for the neuroscience research group and also to carry out molecular and cellular experiments as part of an active research project. This position is for a skilled Technician who is able to perform varied and complex experiments related to cell biology, protein chemistry, molecular biology, and working with rodent models. The individual will be joining a dedicated and highly motivated team of neuroscientists, bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, immunologists and animal model researchers. The work and environment are interdisciplinary, with the research focused on development of therapies for immune-based neurological disorders.

Organizational Status

The Research Technician will interact closely with members of the research group including Research Associates, Postdoctoral fellows, Graduate and Undergraduate students, and Research Technicians. This individual will also interact with UBC and department staff and administrators; funding agency administrators on matters of progress and finance reports; and scientific sales managers. The Research Technician position is fundamental to the ongoing success of the lab.

Work Performed

Technical duties

-Designs, modifies and performs complex experiments and systems, often employing the use of technically advanced procedures, with complex analysis and interpretation including but not limited to molecular cloning into bacteria and mammalian cell lines, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, PCR and RT-PCR, protein separation techniques such as Western blots, , handling and injections of rodent animal models and rodent behavioural models (i.e. head twitch response, Y-maze, sucrose preference, open field, and others).

-Develops, writes and revises novel protocols for the techniques used in the lab

-Develops, writes and revises safety procedures

-Troubleshoots complex equipment and systems problems

-Oversees the progress of projects and participates in complex research activities, particularly in the area of animal models and cell biology within the neuroscience project

-Provides instruction and training in the use of specialized techniques and equipment, particularly in the areas of cell biology, protein chemistry, molecular biology, including flow cytometer, protein gels and Western blotting, centrifuges, microscopes, biosafety cabinets, and PCR machines.

-Provides assistance with rodent models to all other researchers in the lab, including staff, students, and other scientists

-Responsible for researching and determining the applicability of new technology and systems related to work

-Maintains laboratory notebooks and files on all experiments and procedures performed.

Lab Operations duties

-Operates and oversees the maintenance of highly specialized equipment, for example  incubators, microscopes, among others

-Responsible for training of lab personnel on lab standard protocols and equipment

-Identifies and implements strategies and procedures to ensure the safe operation of the research laboratory. Ensures compliance with safety regulations.

-Maintains a clean and fully functional lab environment

-Evaluates current standard procedures in the lab and makes recommendations on workflow improvements

-Writes reports and assists in writing research ethics proposals and grant applications

-Assists with the management of the laboratory, including administration of other staff, purchase recommendations, and maintenance of inventory

-Undertakes the supervision, scheduling , and training of other lab members, and may make recommendations with respect to hiring and providing input into staff performance

-Ships hazardous and non-hazardous reagents in accordance with TDG regulations

-Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Exercises a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the lab unit. Incompetence or incorrect decisions could jeopardize research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in loss of experimental data and delay in conducting research.

Work will be discussed with the Principal Investigator in weekly meetings or as needed. The successful applicant will be responsible for errors in their work, for reporting problems and mistakes in a timely way, and for correcting those errors.

Supervision Received

Reports indirectly to a Research Associate in the lab and ultimately to the Principal Investigator to ensure priorities are addressed. Works under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

Supervision Given

This position will have indirect supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees at lower classifications and will have input into staff selection and performance evaluation.

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

Masters’ degree in the field of cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology or related fields in the life sciences. Demonstrated experience working in laboratory setting is required, and lab experience is required; previous lab management is an asset. Computer experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and figure design is an asset.

Skills

- Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

- Ability to work with the Principal Investigator and rest of the project team to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data

- Demonstrates initiative in determining work priorities and meet deadlines

- Demonstrates effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, experimental, multi-tasking, and organizational skills

- Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment and systems problems

- Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs

- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships