Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title Research Assistant/Tech 3 - Aparicio

Department Aparicio Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range $3,982.67 - $4,703.83 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date September 25, 2023

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

Job End Date Oct 24, 2024

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this positions requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

The anticipated start date for this position is October 23 , 2023. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension.

In your application please include (1) a cover letter, and (2) a CV or resume.

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 Aparicio lab is developing new single-cell genome and transcriptome methods for tracking clonal trajectories at the single-cell level in patient tissues and to gain a better understanding of the tumour microenvironment. Our researchers use the latest single-cell genomics technologies to rapidly identify genes that are involved in the development of cancer. This position will be working on the Single-Cell Genomics Platform on research projects currently ongoing in the lab. We are seeking a highly-motivated, detailed, organized, and driven individual with an interest or experience in molecular biology, single-cell genomics, liquid handling robotics, and/or next-generation sequencing.

This entry-level position will provide candidates with an opportunity to work and learn within an academic research environment where continual training and learning are greatly encouraged. The core focus of this position will be providing technical assistance/support on molecular biology, tissue culture, next-generation library preparation and the operations of highly sensitive liquid handling robotics to support current internal/external researchers using the single-cell genomics platform. Hands-on training will be provided to the successful candidate.

This position will provide the candidate with a high level of exposure to single-cell genomics and translational research, as well as, providing opportunities to work collaboratively with industry partners and other researchers globally; the position start date is flexible.

Organizational Status
Aparicio Lab is located in the department of Molecular Oncology at BC Cancer Research Institute in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The successful applicant will report to the Principal Investigator or his/her delegate.

Work Performed

• Plans and performs experiments utilizing established SOPs for investigating single-cell genomics, involving the use of liquid handling robotics and 10x genomics platforms
• Visualize and analyze cells using microscopy and flow cytometry.
• Generation, preparation and submission of next-generation sequencing libraries.
• Using an LMIS system to track and record sample data
• Assist and provide support in molecular biology, tissue culture and next-generation sequencing to other senior searchers
• Assist in developing and implementing standard operating protocols (SOPs).
• Maintains laboratory records and experimental data.
• Assist in general lab maintenance such as reagent preparation, receiving and inventory of lab supplies.
• Present experimental data at internal scientific project meetings.
• Carries out any other related duties as assigned or required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of this technician level.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The work is complex and required a high level of training, tasks are assigned and the incumbent exercises a considerable amount of responsibility, initiative and judgment in determining their work schedule to achieve those tasks. Errors may result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable tissue samples, loss of thousands of dollars of material and/or damage to equipment. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to a loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly. Noncompliance with biosafety and chemical safety regulations may also result in the closure of the facility or loss of grant funding.

Supervision Received
The successful applicant will work under general supervision; receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems. From time to time, Principal Investigator or Laboratory Research and Operations Manager may provide specific instructions on unusual problems or new project outlines. This position will report to the Principal Investigator or Laboratory Research and Operations Manager.

Supervision Given
Depending on experience and expertise, the successful applicant may be required to assist in the training and supervision of graduate students/trainees, junior staff, or external collaborators; including providing instruction on the use of lab equipment and procedures, and will help troubleshoot experiments in their area of expertise.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one\xe2\x80\x99s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one\xe2\x80\x99s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• A BSc or MSc in Biological Sciences (Molecular Biology or other relevant fields) with work experiences in single-cell genomics biology, next-generation sequencing or molecular biology, preferred

• Working knowledge and understanding of molecular biology techniques such as next-generation sequencing, PCR, DNA/RNA purification and molecular cloning; prior working experience in next-generation sequencing and library construction is considered a great asset.
• Experience with cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Working hands-on experience in tissue handling and tissue dissociation methods would be an asset.
• Preference will be given to applicants with liquid handling robotics, single-cell genomics, next-generation sequencing, and 10x Genomics experience.
• Experience in immunocytochemistry and basic data analysis in R or similar statistics package would be an asset.
• Demonstrated understanding of experimental design and assay optimization.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills (orally and written) and the ability to interact positively and productively with other team members are essential.
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills.
• Able to multi-task, prioritize and handle multi-project assignments concurrently.
• The successful candidate must be well-organized, conscientious, understand the importance of detail, and be able to multi-task and prioritize duties effectively.

University of British Columbia