Research Asst/Tech 2 (Turvey Lab)

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Asst/Tech 2 (Turvey Lab)

Department
Turvey Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$4,207.63 - $5,005.45 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
May 31, 2024

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

Job End Date

May 31, 2025

***This position offers the possibility of renewal beyond May 31, 2025.***

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

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.

Note: Only the Full Time Compensation Range is displayed on the job posting details advertised on the UBC Career sites.

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 Rare Disease Discovery Hub aims to identify the causes of disease for previously undiagnosed complex conditions. The incumbent will participate in an exciting research program to investigate the role of genetic abnormalities, and how these abnormalities contribute to a range of important diseases of childhood. The Rare Disease Discovery Hub co-led by Drs. Turvey and Lehman, is a dynamic, collegial environment dedicated to enhancing the health of children. 

The individual should be self-motivated and should be able to perform tasks with supervision after receiving appropriate training.  The individual should be able to work as a collaborative team member to achieve experimental goals, and must be willing to learn new techniques.

Organizational Structure:
The individual will collaborate with a team of Clinicians and Scientists in the Rare Disease Discovery Hub at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, and will receive direct supervision and support from the co-lead of this group. 

Duties Performed:

• Assists the study research coordinator with contacting families for enrolment into the study and following up with families as necessary.

• Assists the study research coordinator with arranging sample collection for families.

• Reviews and summarizes clinical patient data for research use.

• Prepares and maintains media, buffer, and reagents for routine laboratory use. 

• Assists the senior laboratory technician in conducting experiments in tissue culture, flow cytometry and various techniques to examine DNA, RNA and protein.

• Prepares samples for shipment to collaborating labs. 

• Assists the study research coordinator in maintaining and creating the study database. 

• Collects and inputs data into REDCap, and other relevant software solution.

• Planning and performing lab work (Sanger sequencing, Western blotting, cell culturing).

• Writing reports and presenting research results at various meetings.

• Assists with the writing of research reports and publications. 

• Organizes laboratory inventory and supplies.

• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this category.

Consequence of Error/Impact of Decisions:
Accuracy, timeliness, and sound judgment are required to maximize the effectiveness of the research being conducted. Errors in ability to perform administrative and technical tasks may lead to concerns about research credibility and integrity.

Supervision Received:
PI and/or collaborators will provide close supervision and training during the initial period of employment while techniques are learnt and whenever new methods are explored.  Once training is complete the individual will have constant supervision from a senior lab technician and the study research coordinator.

Supervision Given:
May be involved in training new personnel in established techniques.

Working Conditions:
The position involves working with cells isolated from patient samples or cellular models of human disease. Successful completion of UBC’s Chemical and Biohazard Safety courses is required. Since the project involves working with human samples the individual should be fully immunized.

Qualifications:
- 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
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of
related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. BSc or an advanced graduate degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related field preferred. Experience with and proven ability to troubleshoot basic molecular biology (DNA, RNA, protein work), qPCR (including data analysis), molecular cloning, mammalian tissue culture, flow cytometry (including data analysis) are essential. Experience working with patients and patient data, including a familiarity with medical terminology is preferred. Experience with REDCap preferred. Completion of TCPS2: CORE training is an asset. Ability to maintain accuracy and pay attention to detail. Effective oral and written communication and organizational skills. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.  A high level of computer skills is essential.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disability, persons with minority sexual orientations and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.