Research Asst/Tech 2

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Asst/Tech 2

Department
Jassem Laboratory | Centre for Disease Control | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$25.89 - $30.80 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date
April 17, 2024

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

Job End Date

Dec 31, 2024

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

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.

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 position supports grant funded work for population-based studies of COVID-19 vaccine responses and investigations linking viral exposures to chronic disease development.  The applicant will work closely with the project team on the technical aspects of processing various types of blood samples (sera, plasma, dried blood spots) and running antibody detection methods.

This work is with patient personal data and the individual must understand and exemplify the ethics of confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect when communicating all study information. The applicant must be exceptionally detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow detailed protocols. This person must also be self-directed, able to excel in a team environment, know personal limitations and take initiative to ask for assistance when needed.

Organizational Status

The applicant reports to the project PI and will work primarily in an autonomous role, thus previous experience in research is critical. The position will be held at the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory. Remote work encouraged when it is possible.

Work Performed

• Assist the supervisor and research team with the design of experiments
• Analyze and summarize results for clinical reports, publications, and presentations at team meetings.
• Support serosurveillance projects by creating line lists for testing.
• Support punching and elution of dried blood spot (DBS) samples as needed.
• Support assays development (MSD new panels, ELISA kits, ect.)
• Keep meticulous records of work and troubleshooting problems.
• Support data analysis and data linkage of serosurveillance projects.
• Support writing of scientific papers:
  • Conduct literature reviews and summarize relevant scientific data.
  • Figure preparation for publication.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The applicant is required to conduct all activities in an ethical manner. Any procedures or data recorded as part of this research must be accurate and must accurately reflect the work performed. Strict confidentiality of all project participants is critical. Errors made could influence the ability of researchers to interpret data correctly, delay the timely completion of work, and thus compromise the results of research projects. This would impact the credibility of the PI and other team members.
Supervision Received
Most aspects of work will be assigned and then carried out independently, with feedback from Project PI and research team.
Supervision Given
N/A
Minimum Qualifications
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.
- 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

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute.

Two years’ experience with research studies or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Computer literacy and proficiency (minimum with Microsoft Office).

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Able to identify and relate to concerns of others and to exercise good judgement when resolving difficulties.

Demonstrated ability to show initiative and self-directed work habits.

Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, respectful, and effective manner.