Research Assistant/Technician 1

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 1

Job Title
Research Assistant/Technician 1

Department
Transgenic Unit | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$3,989.78 - $4,375.79 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
June 5, 2024

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

Job End Date

May 31, 2025

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

To work within The Biomedical Research Centre's specific pathogen free animal unit monitoring the health status of animals and participating in daily routines of animal husbandry, cleaning and sterilization.

The Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which has over 30 faculty, staff and students, is an interdisciplinary research centre with over two decades of history focused on regenerative medicine, acting also acts as a technology hub on the UBC campus. The BRC has been recently transferred into the School of Biomedical Engineering. The School of Biomedical Engineering was established as a strategic partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine in 2017. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation, aspiring to be a global leader in the field. Currently the School has 36 core and joint faculty located on campus and at healthcare research institutes, 400+ undergraduate and undergraduate students, 20+ administrative staff and several research core service facilities. In addition, SBME will move in 2024/2025 into a new building on campus, which will act as a hub for biomedical engineering activities at UBC and beyond.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Manager of the Animal Unit and works closely with other members of the animal unit.
Work Performed

• Animal husbandry - ensuring food and water for the lab mice

• Operates cage washer, autoclave, generator, bedding disposal unit and bottle washer

• Animal husbandry in the BRC Biobubble containment facility as required

• Cleans and disinfects animal cages, rooms, and equipment daily

• Receives and stocks animal food, bedding and cleaning chemicals

• Performs other related duties as required
Consequence of Error/Judgement

Incorrect euthanasia techniques will result in animal suffering. Failure to input correct data into the BBMouse database will result in incorrect stock and breeder records. Failure to complete required cleaning and sterilizing protocols will result in contamination of the unit and the mice which will delay research results and publications.
Supervision Received
Works under direct supervision in accordance with detailed oral or written instructions; routine duties are carried out under general supervision.
Supervision Given

None but may explain work sequences to others.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

• Animal Health Technology diploma preferred but not required.

• • Minimum of two years of practical related experience.

• Experience in an animal research facility, hospital environment or veterinary clinic would be an asset, as would CALAS certification (ARLAT).

• Previous animal handling/husbandry experience an asset. Have the ability to work with lab mice with no known allergies to fur-bearing animals.

• Computer experience required.

• Ability to lift 20kg bags of food or bedding. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, organizational skills required; ability to prioritize, multitask, and work effectively under time pressure; ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail; ability to work both independently and with a team environment. Required to work a flexible schedule, stat holidays, including evenings and weekends (including one day per weekend).