Cell Culture Technician (Vallance Lab)

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4

Job Title
Cell Culture Technician (Vallance Lab)

Department
Vallance Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
4,558.75 - $5,354.67 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
July 4, 2022

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

Job End Date

Jul 31, 2023

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

JOB SUMMARY

The Vallance lab is a world leading research group that studies inflammatory bowel disease as well as infectious causes of intestinal inflammation. In particular, the Vallance lab focuses on bacteria - host interactions at the intestinal mucosal interface. We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to join our team as a senior cell culture technician. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge projects using cell culture models to develop novel therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Specifically, the successful candidate should possess significant cell culture expertise as well as techniques useful in assessing mammalian cell function.

Among their roles, the candidate will be trained to generate, culture and maintain patient-derived intestinal organoids, as well as assess their functions using routine standardized assays. The successful candidate will assist senior staff and trainees in growing and analyzing organoids, using modern techniques, performed under minimal supervision. The senior cell culture technician role requires extensive laboratory and cell culture experience. It is expected that the successful candidate will master specific technical skills underlying primary cell culture technique, and be sufficiently skilled to independently perform such work and instruct others as well. The role will also require the successful candidate to work closely with an interdisciplinary team to tackle cutting-edge challenges in organoid research.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The senior cell culture technician will report directly to Dr. Bruce Vallance and will liaise with other members of Dr. Vallance's research group, including co-investigators, researchers, research assistants, post-doctoral fellows, students and staff.

WORK PERFORMED

• Culture epithelial cell lines, as well as process intestinal biopsies for organoid isolation derived from patient samples and maintain collection records

• Oversee the daily operation of the lab’s cell culture work, as well as maintain organoid cultures including culturing and passaging. Also prepare organoid media and perform routine testing to identify possible contamination.

• Design and perform routine standardized assays to evaluate organoid quality and function

• Responsible for development of novel protocols and operating procedures for organoid culture and experiment

• Maintain inventory of frozen organoid stocks.

• Design, plan and perform experiments; troubleshoot problems; collect, record, analyse and interpret experimental results

• Maintain a detailed lab notebook

• Provide training and oversee undergraduate students, as well as new and lower level technicians in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.

• Supervise and provide input into staff performance

• Set up, test, operate and maintain common laboratory equipment and laboratory reagents.

• Manages the daily operation of the tissue culture lab, including large purchase recommendation and inventory and administration of staff

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

The successful applicant will exercise a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the unit.

Dr. Vallance’s laboratory is situated within the Childhood and Disease Theme of the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute. Errors made could compromise the results of research projects, and therefore impact the credibility of the Unit, Centre, Institute and individual Investigator(s).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The successful applicant will work under minimal supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees at lower classifications in which case the successful applicant is responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

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.

Prior experience working in a laboratory environment is mandatory.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as a microbiology, immunology and biochemistry would be an asset.

• Expertise in general cell culture using cell lines or primary human cells. Experiences in 3D (matrix-based or suspension-based) human organoid culture and/or stem cell derivation would be an asset.

• Ability to exercise sound judgement, responsibility, and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to meet short- and long-term project deadlines.

• Strong time management and organizational skills.