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 Shakiba Laboratory | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine

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

Posting End Date September 30, 2023

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

Job End Date Sept 30, 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 School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, BC, Canada invites applications for a research technician (level 3) position in the Shakiba Lab ( ), working on a collaborative project.

The Faculties of Medicine and Applied Science have partnered to create the SBME, a new flagship entity at UBC, and a top strategic priority for the University and both Faculties. The SBME 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. UBC SBME members will distinguish themselves by deep training in biology, deconstructed using engineering science and design, and applied to the solution of real-world biomedical challenges. Our SBME faculty conduct research that advances our fundamental understanding of human biology, and yields technologies and therapies that advance our health and wellbeing.

Organizational Status
This position will be a member in the Shakiba Laboratory, and will be reporting directly to Dr. Nika Shakiba, who is the Principal Investigator of the laboratory.

Work Performed

Assist with culturing and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and/or human embryonic stem cells (hPSCs)

Performs experiments using standard cell and molecular biology techniques such as flow cytometry and microscopy

Assists in genetic engineering of mammalian cells (producing DNA plasmids, creating and titrating lentivirus)

Preparation and submission of samples for next generation sequencing as well as bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data

Writes and prepares reports and papers for publication; presentation and participation in weekly lab meetings and departmental seminar series

Carries out other related duties such as lab chores, ordering, record-keeping, helping to train lab personnel, etc. required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises a considerable amount of judgement, responsibility, and initiative related to the functioning of the lab. Incompetence or incorrect decisions could jeopardize research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in loss of experimental data and delay in conducting research.

Supervision Received
Reports directly to the Principle Investigator to ensure priorities are addressed. Works under minimum supervision.

Supervision Given
The incumbent may be required to supervise trainees involved in the research program.

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

Preferably, the candidate will have a MASc or MSc, in the field of bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology or related fields.

Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory setting.

The successful candidate will be a passionate, self-driven, independent thinker with excellent organizational, oral, and written communication, excellent interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in next generation sequencing sample preparation, bioinformatics, cell/molecular biology, and/or mammalian cell culture experience.

Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;

Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail;

Ability to work both independently and within a team environment;

Experience writing scientific manuscripts;

Ability to work with the Principal Investigator to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data.

University of British Columbia