Research Asst/Tech 3

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title
Research Asst/Tech 3

Department
Cashman Laboratory Division of Neurology | Department of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

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

Posting End Date
January 30, 2024

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

Job End Date

Jan 31, 2025

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, this position requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the 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
The role of the Research Assistant/Technician Level 3 requires collaboration with the team to analyze the properties of antibodies developed against specific misfolded proteins crucial in the pathogenesis of ALS, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Lewy Body Dementia. The primary focus for this position is to develop and perform complex immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques to support the preclinical development of therapeutic antibodies. The role requires advanced skills in fluorescence and brightfield microscopy techniques, with expertise in human sample preparation and processing, as well as proficiency in experimental design for immune-based detection.
Organizational Status
The position reports to Dr. Neil Cashman at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health to provide technical expertise by performing advanced lab analyses for detecting protein misfolding and aggregation in cellular environments.
Work Performed

- Independently plans and performs experiments employing complex biochemical procedures and techniques; troubleshoot problems; collects, records, analyzes and interprets experiment results.

- Develops new specialized IHC protocols that will become standard operating procedures in the lab.

- Prepares and delivers research data presentations to industrial collaborators during routine weekly meetings.

- Assists team members with data analysis and preparation for scientific presentations and manuscript/grant writing.

- Works on collaborative studies with external research teams.

- Maintains required scientific equipment in working order and troubleshoots problems with complex equipment.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
A successful candidate is required to exercise judgment with respect to experimental duties performed in each project. Work is subject to checks by the principal investigator for each project. Failure to follow procedures and direction will result in incorrect data production and will result in the delay of research results.
Supervision Received
Works independently under the general direction of Dr. Neil Cashman.
Supervision Given
The Research Assistant/Technician Level 3 oversees the work of visiting students and new employees, provides a training in basic lab and advanced histochemistry techniques. 
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant undergraduate degree, and preferably a Master’s degree in the field of bioengineering, immunology, molecular biology or related fields in the life sciences.
- 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

- Demonstrated experience working in laboratory setting is required, and comprehensive experience with immune-based detection methods would be beneficial.

- Computer experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and image processing programs (i.e., ImageJ).

- Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential for effective collaboration as a member of this multidisciplinary team.