Research Assistant/Tech 2 (VEC)

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Assistant/Tech 2 (VEC)

Department
Vaccine Evaluation Centre | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$25.89 - $30.80 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date
February 3, 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 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. Specific position details regarding part time positions with prorated compensation should be manually added to the Additional Job Description field.

Job Description Summary
Under general supervision, organize and participate the upkeep of the lab (making buffers, autoclaving tips, garbage, ordering etc.), and assisting other lab personnel as needed in experiments. Conduct a variety of moderately complex technical tasks in experimental immunology (human and mouse). Specifically: Utilizing standard techniques and protocols performs various technical tasks, and assists in analyzing and interpreting experimental results. Also assists in performing more complex tasks, such as, animal surgery and necropsy, as well as experiments involving human cells, tissues and samples. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots problems with standard equipment. Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification. Previous laboratory experience in these areas is a plus. Passionately interested to expand knowledge base and to learn new techniques, available work on the weekend.
Organizational Status
Works within well defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to supervisor. Reports to Lab Manager and Project Manager; in their absence will report to the Lab Director. Interacts in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team working approach, with all permanent, part-time and independent staff.
The Lab is located at the Oak Street Campus site. Staff will be fully trained in the handling of all material and in the use of safety equipment, disposal techniques, handling of contaminated waste, and emergency response. Employee is mainly expected to work M-F, weekends & holidays with occasional sick day and/or personal holiday coverage as well.
Work Performed
WORK PERFORMED
1) Tissue Culture Techniques
a. Aseptic technique and preparation of sterile media and other reagents
b .Isolation of cells from blood samples and cytokine production stimulation
c. Infection of whole blood/ cell lines/ isolated cells with CL2 pathogens
d. Maintenance of frozen cell repository
2) Bacteriology
a. Production of bacterial strains for use as vaccine in mice
3) Animal Care
a. Breeding, immunization, euthanization, tissue collection
4) Flow Cytometry
a. Analysis of cell phenotype
b. Quantification of cytokine production
5) Immunology
a. ELISA and Luminex
6) Basic Molecular Biology techniques
a. DNA, RNA extractions
7) Recording experimental data according to good laboratory practice
8) Participate to lab meetings and discuss any update with the group in a weekly basis
9) General laboratory duties as required
a. Participate in the daily routine duties lab work
b. Dispose of lab materials under Lab guidelines.
c. Carry Out assignments and tasks in an efficient, accurate, timely manner.
d. Cleaning glassware, flow hoods and incubators on a regular basis.
e. Autoclaving supplies; maintain liquid nitrogen tank service including and the transport of empty and full liquid nitrogen tanks to the appropriate facility in the building
f. Ordering supplies, unpacking deliveries, restocking lab shelves as needed organizing files, retrieving articles from the library and electronic journals.
g. Coordinating of lab coats maintenance in a monthly basis including transporting them to the appropriate facility in the building for laundry
h. Defrosting of freezers and cleaning the fridges if necessary
10. Available to work weekends
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Under general supervision performs a variety of experimental tasks. Failure to do so impacts experiments, scientific results and increased costs.
Supervision Received
Post doctor fellows and lab manager will provide close supervision and training during the initial period of employment while techniques are learned and whenever new methods are explored. Once training is complete the individual should be able to work with basic supervision, although help will always be available for problem solving.
Supervision Given
By lab manager, project manager and lab director.

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.

Preferred Qualifications
-Undergraduate degree in sciences preferred.
-Excellent English communication (reading, speaking & writing) skills.
-Proficient in computer (MS Office (Word, Excel) skills
-Great interpersonal skills