Job Description

Staff - Union
Job Category CUPE 116
Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 1
Job Title Research Assistant /Technician 1
Department Research | Wisnovsky Lab | Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Compensation Range $4,147.00 - $4,350.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date February 2, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date August 31, 2026
This is a 6-month term position, with a possibility of extension, starting March 1, 2026. This is a part-time position at 50% FTE (18.75 hours per week). This role is expected to start at Grade 3 Step 1 of the salary scale and will be prorated based on FTE.
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
The focus of the Wisnovsky Lab is to investigate how cancer cells alter their cell surface glycosylation during tumorigenesis. Applicants must therefore have a good knowledge base and some experience in various lab techniques to investigate glycosylation including, but not limited to, cell culture (cell lines and primary cell isolations), molecular biology (isolation of DNA and RNA, RT-PCR), biochemistry (Western blots and enzymatic assays) and flow cytometry. The individual will be expected to perform experiments and data analysis in coordination with other lab members.
We have a fully operational lab with all of the equipment necessary to complete our projects. Our research routinely involves work with hazardous materials, including radioactive chemicals, organic solvents, acids and compressed gases. All employees must successfully complete the Biological and Chemical courses offered by UBC. All cell culture work will be performed in a biological safety cabinet.
Organizational Status
The incumbent will report to the Principal Investigator. Must be able to work collaboratively with graduate students in the laboratory.
Work Performed

• Conduct literature searches for scientific papers in the area of cardiovascular complications of diabetes.
• Compile references and assist supervisor with writing and figure making.
• Participate in simple experiments, under PI's or other senior lab members' supervision, by following set guidelines and protocols.
• Record and document data as requested by the PI.
• Assist PI in analyzing and summarizing results from a variety of ongoing research projects and data sets.
• Attend weekly lab meetings to discuss work progress.
• Assist graduate students with their projects as needed.
• Other lab-associated duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
All work performed by the Research Assistant will be reviewed by the Principal Investigator. Inappropriate judgment or error on the part of the Research Assistant may result in wasted time and resources. Inadequate attention to detail and poor work ethic will reflect poorly on the research team and may impact the sustainability of the Wisnovsky lab.
Supervision Received
Works under the general guidance of Dr. Simon Wisnovsky. Works directly with other graduate students.
Supervision Given
The candidate may help train new students in experimental procedures and safe usage of lab equipment.
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
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline. Preference will be given to those with experience in the areas of glycobiology and functional genetics.
Skills:
Ability to use MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint effectively.
Ability to work both independently and within a team environment, exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
Attentive to detail, with the ability to work quickly and accurately.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, multitasking and meeting deadlines.
Ability to exercise tact and discretion when handling sensitive and/or confidential matters.
Effective oral and written communication, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Coursework in and/or experience with quantitative research methods is an asset.

Skills Required