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/Technician 3

Department Research | Blakney | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science

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

Posting End Date July 15, 2023

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

Job End Date Jul 31, 2024

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 RNA Production Technician will be responsible to produce various RNA modalities, including mRNA, circular RNA and self amplifying RNA. The individual will be joining a dedicated, dynamic and highly motivated team within the RNA & Formulation Core, a cost recovery service facility. The primary focus will be to ensure the generation of high-quality RNA for research and pre-clinical therapeutic studies. This position will be responsible for product generation and delivery, routine instrument maintenance, and a point of contact for clients whilst ensuring the Core meets production deadlines

Organizational Status

The RNA Production Technician will contribute to the success of the RNA & Formulation Core facility, and reports directly to the Core Director. The individual will interact closely with members of UBC research groups, industrial clients or partners, departmental staff and other organization administrators.

Work Performed

Plans and carries out experimental procedures to deliver client RNA formulation requests, troubleshoots problems, records data and quality control parameters.

Performs established molecular biology techniques such as culturing bacteria to amplify DNA templates, cloning custom DNA templates for clients, plasmid purifications, PCR to amplify templates

Synthesizes complex RNA modalities, including mRNA, circular RNA, and self-amplifying RNA according to project requirements

Conducts quality control assessments and purification techniques such as electrophoresis, HPLC and TFF using

Perform routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory instruments and equipment

Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, including protocols, data, and -observations

Ship hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with current regulations

Contributes to the method development of new techniques and procedures, optimizes current protocols, and troubleshoots technical issues as they arise

Plans project timelines effectively and meet established deadlines

Interacts with clients to understand their research needs, provide technical support, and ensure customer satisfaction

Coordinates, monitors and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures

Assists in running a laboratory, performing tasks such as purchasing supplies and small equipment, maintaining a clean and fully functional lab environment

Stays updated with the latest advancements in RNA modalities and contribute to process improvements within the laboratory

Implement and adapt standard operating procedures for lab research projects on new lab equipment

Analyses and compiles data for report preparation, presents results, and contributes towards the preparation of scientific manuscripts

Participates in Core team meetings

Carry out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Exercises judgement, responsibility, and initiative related to research projects and the functioning of the lab. Incorrect decisions could jeopardize deliverables, collaborations, and adversely impact future research objectives. Poor judgment would result in loss of experimental data, time, or clients.

The Technician will be responsible for errors in their work, for reporting problems and mistakes in a timely way, and for correcting those errors.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Core Director to ensure priorities are addressed. Works under minimum supervision, receiving instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems. For each project, works with Core team to ensure effective work progress.

Supervision Given
The Technician will work as part of a team. They will train co-op students or other trainees, and new technicians. They may have joint responsibility for supervising and training more junior personnel.

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

Preference is given to candidates with a MSc degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, biology, or molecular biology. A strong background in molecular biology techniques, with specific expertise in RNA construct design, synthesis and purification will be advantageous. Some experience with lab management tasks would be beneficial, as well as familiarity with research laboratory. Additional experience in protocol development with plasmid cloning software (SnapGene), instrument specific software (Chromeleon), figure design ( BioRender), website management, or statistical analysis (R, Prism) are an asset. Computer experience with word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), presentation software (MS PowerPoint) and ease using standard communication tools (Zoom, Teams, Slack) are required.

SKILLS

- Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

- Ability to work with the Director to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data

- Ability to plan timelines to achieve production goals

- Ability to work independently while also collaborating with team members is essential

University of British Columbia