Research Assistant/Tech 2

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Assistant/Tech 2

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

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

Posting End Date
April 23, 2024

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

Job End Date

May 3, 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, 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 appointment is for a Research Assistant/Technician position in the Prystajecky Lab to provide technical support on multiple research projects focusing on environmental water testing and surveillance. The applicant’s primary role will be to receive, process, and test environmental water samples for routine surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other human pathogens. In addition, the candidate will actively contribute to the development of novel molecular methods for pathogen detection, which will be implemented in the BCCDC PHL (British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory). 

The applicant must be exceptionally detail-orientated, organized, and be able to follow detailed protocols and safety guidelines. They must be able to prioritize tasks to ensure that time-sensitive duties are completed to facilitate the timely reporting of surveillance data. In addition, the candidate must be self-directed and proactive in seeking assistance when needed.
Organizational Status
The applicant reports to the Project PI, Research Scientist, and Research and Development Team Lead. The position is based at the BCCDC Research Laboratory. The applicant will work on-site due to the technical nature of the position
Work Performed

The applicant will be responsible for:

• Tracking and receiving a variety of environmental water samples on a daily basis
• Maintaining a detailed inventory of all research specimens received
• Processing water samples via membrane filtration and ultra-centrifugal filtration according to strict standard operating procedures in a BSL 2+ laboratory
• Performing manual and automated nucleic acid extractions from processed water samples
• Setting up RT-qPCR and qPCR experiments for multiple routine surveillance assays on a daily basis
• Accurately enumerating bacterial counts from culture plates
• Adhering to strict quality assurance and quality control measures when performing molecular testing
• Assisting in the routine analysis and reporting of results on a weekly basis

Other roles and responsibilities, may include, but are not limited to:

• Cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment and general laboratory materials
• Drafting report summaries and/or other documents pertaining to the results of various research studies
• Literature reviews

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 data 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, Research Scientist, and Research and Development Team Lead. Collaboration and coordination with other research technicians on the project will be regularly required
Supervision Given
N/A
Minimum 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
- 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

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.