Research Assistant Technician

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title
Research Assistant Technician

Department
Luciani Research Lab General Surgery | Department of Surgery | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$4,434.02 - $5,228.81 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
March 20, 2024

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

Job End Date

Mar 31, 2025

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

This position is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

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 UBC Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery educates students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, and pursues research to make innovative advancements in knowledge and practice to improve health. The Department consists of more than 600 physicians, surgeons, scientists and educators and over 70 administrative, research and technical staff in nine divisions distributed across British Columbia. Specialty training programs are offered in Cardiac Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Thoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery. The Department is also home to the Branch for Global Surgical Care (BGSC).

This position is a Research Assistant Technician level 3 (TRA3) in Dr. Dan Luciani’s diabetes research lab at BC Children’s Hospital research Institute (BCCHR) in Vancouver. The Luciani Lab works to understand the cellular basis of diabetes. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, work with mice, cell culture, a variety of molecular and cell biology experiments, as well as general laboratory organization and maintenance. This position also provides opportunities for intellectual engagement with data analysis, experimental planning, oral and written scientific communication, as well as exposure to a variety of experimental methods. The position is within the UBC Department of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine. The Research Technician will report to Dr. Luciani, work closely with other members of the Luciani Lab, and regularly interact with collaborators in other labs at BCCHR and on the UBC main campus.

WORK PERFORMED

• Planning, performing, and assisting with in vitro experiments, involving for instance: cell culture, protein work, general molecular techniques, cloning, DNA plasmid preparations, work with adenoand adeno‐associated viruses, ELISA, immunostaining and basic imaging‐based analyses of cells and tissues. More advanced microscopy work is also a possibility.

• Planning, performing, and assisting in mouse experiments, including, but not limited to: isolation of pancreatic islets and other tissues, assessment of blood glucose and insulin levels.

• Analyzing and presenting data to other lab members and the PI.

• Managing mouse colonies, including genotyping, general care and husbandry.

• Assisting with development of new techniques, protocols and SOPs.

• Instructing other staff and trainees on standard procedures, equipment and techniques.

• Assisting with general lab organization and upkeep, including ordering, tracking, recording and maintenance of equipment and supplies.

• Reconciling expenditures and preparing invoices and reimbursements for the lab.

• Contributing to a respectful, inclusive working environment.

• Performing other responsibilities, as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work will be primarily in an open‐concept research space on the 4th floor of the BCCHR Translational Research Building. Chemical fume hoods, tissue culture facilities, freezers, fridges, bench top equipment, core facilities and safety items (eyewash, shower, fire extinguishers, spill and first aid kits) are located in the lab or within the BCCHR.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Dr. Luciani provides overall supervision of this role and the Research Technician may also take direction and feedback from senior members of the laboratory. The Technician is expected to work under limited supervision and show initiative, as well as sound judgement, in carrying out their responsibilities.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

There is no formal supervisory responsibility associated with this position, but the Research Technician is expected to share technical knowledge and teach techniques to others in the lab. If agreed upon, they may provide functional direction to undergraduate or other students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 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

• A BSc (MSc preferred) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology or other relevant discipline and a minimum of 3 years related experience.

• Experience in islet / diabetes research and several of the following techniques ‐ Primary and transformed cell culture; fluorescence microscopy; basic biochemical techniques (western blot, PCR, qPCR); cloning/molecular biology; in vivo manipulations of mice.

• Effective analytical and problem‐solving skills, with attention to detail.

• Excellent organizational skills, and abilities for prioritizing and multi‐tasking.

• Effective oral and written communications, with the ability to compose clear correspondence and documentation.

• High degree of punctuality.

• Good interpersonal skills, with ability to work well in a team and independently.

• Ability to contribute to a respectful, cooperative and supportive work environment.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, occasionally including additional hours on weekends, evenings and early mornings, as required.