Research Assistant /Technician 2 (Schultz Lab)

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Assistant /Technician 2 (Schultz Lab)

Department
Schultz Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine

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

Posting End Date
May 16, 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

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.

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 position requires some lab experience with basic molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology Preference will be given to candidates with hands-on expertise in cell culture. The successful candidate must be open to a flexible schedule, including later workday start times, occasional weekends, statutory holidays, and late hours. 
Organizational Status
The individual will report to the Clinical Research & Lab Manager and the Lab Coordinator and work closely with the assigned lab personnel.
Work Performed

Under the supervision of a lab manager, your routine responsibilities will include :

• Human Blood Sample Processing and Cryopreservation

• Assembling and shipping study kits

• Monitoring and troubleshooting issues related to sample logistics

• Working with cell cultures

• Assisting with flow cytometry experiments

• Performing basic molecular and cell biology techniques, including PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, and cell assays

• Maintaining accurate records of experimental work, biorepository, and inventory

• Assisting with validating laboratory methods and procedures.

• Performing quality control procedures on analytical tests, reagents, and equipment

• Training new lab members on procedures and equipment usage

• Attending meetings and assisting with taking meeting minutes

• Monitoring data entry into a database and updating lab inventories

• Handling daily communication with clinical study sites’ personnel (raising queries, sending notifications, reminders, etc.)

• Assisting with processing invoices and payments

• Performing routine laboratory maintenance

• Communicating with carriers/couriers for orders and shipments

• Adhering to all regulatory, institutional, and departmental policies is mandatory to ensure a compliant workplace

In addition to the core responsibilities, you will also be involved in routine laboratory maintenance and administrative tasks, including orders and shipments. Effective adherence to all regulatory, institutional, and departmental policies is mandatory to ensure workplace compliance.

The successful candidate should be open to a flexible schedule, which may include weekends, statutory holidays, late hours, or later work shifts as needed. The initial contract will be for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal based on available funds. During the candidate’s first year, interim performance reviews will be conducted quarterly.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Under initial supervision the candidate will perform a specific set of tasks according to protocol. Failure to do so with due diligence would compromise precious patient samples that require a large number of resources to prepare, store and analyze.

The candidate must be able to follow scientific protocol with precision and accuracy as samples originate from human subjects, are limited and much trouble to procure.
Supervision Received
The research assistant will report primarily to the Lab Manager and the Clinical Research Manager, and the Principal Investigator. It is expected that the research assistant be able to work independently and be proactive in identifying challenges to the progress of the project.
Supervision Given
No supervision is exercised.
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.

• 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

BSc or MSc degree in either clinical lab science / medical technology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related field is preferred. Minimum of 2 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience working in a biology lab. Experience in animal work and flow cytometry is preferred. High degree of computer literacy with ability to use Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others). Superior organizational and time management skills. Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. Meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and work quickly and accurately. Ability to exercise tact and discretion when handling sensitive and/or confidential matters.

The new employee must be responsible, reliable, highly motivated and able to work effectively. Since the work in this lab involves handling of human blood, the individual should or will be immunized against hepatitis B, tetanus and have received all regular childhood vaccines. The individual should be able to work as part of a collaborative team to achieve experimental goals, and must be willing to learn new techniques. The individual should be able to perform routine scientific tasks without supervision. Good proficiency with the English language is required.