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
Operations | RNA Core | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
November 4, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
November 9, 2026
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 Research Technician will assist with experiments and contribute to the daily operations of the Blakney and RNA & Formulation Core laboratories. Emphasis for this position is to assist the research groups with molecular and cellular experiments as part of active research projects or process development. The individual will be joining dedicated and highly motivated teams of bioengineers, molecular biologists, and immunologists. The work and environment are interdisciplinary, with the research focused on development and manufacturing of clinically translational RNA vaccines and therapies.



Organizational Status

The Research Technician will assist the Principal Investigator (Blakney Lab), Core Director (RNA & Formulation Core) and lab members with experiments and day-to-day lab activities. The individual will interact closely with members of each research group including graduate and undergraduate students; UBC and department staff and administrators; and collaborators. The lab technician position is fundamental to the ongoing success of the lab.



Work Performed

Plans and performs experiments using PCR, cloning, and synthesizes RNA procedures Performs complex molecular and cell biology experiments on mammalian cells Participates in the development of TFF and HPLC-based purification methods Plans and develops capping analysis methods Supports animal experiments including injections, imaging and other procedures Conducts LNP formulation and characterization Researches and tests novel techniques and methodologies to achieve research goals Prepares reagents, solutions, and related material for routine laboratory use Contributes towards troubleshooting experiments for themselves and other lab members Analyzes and compiles data for reports, presents results, and participates in the preparation of scientific manuscripts Organizes and maintains detailed documentation of work performed Maintains a clean and fully functional lab environment Provides orientation and training to new students in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures Carries out any other related duties as 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. Incorrect decisions could hinder research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in the repetition of experiments and cause delays in conducting research. The Research Technician will be responsible for errors in their work, for reporting problems and mistakes in a timely way, and participate in a resolution to correct those errors.



Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Principal Investigator and Core Director to ensure priorities are addressed. In the RNA & Formulation Core, daily supervision is provided by senior technical staff.



Supervision Given

None



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's own Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications
Preferably a MSc, in the field of bioengineering, immunology, molecular biology or related fields in the life sciences. Demonstrated experience working in laboratory setting is required. Computer experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and figure design in BioRender is an asset. Experience with HPLC, CE, or other advanced RNA purification or analysis techniques are an asset. Experience in cell culture and small animal studies is an asset.

SkillsMust be detail oriented, organized and responsible with a positive attitude Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail Ability to identify problems and contribute to solutions Ability to work with the Principal Investigator and Core Director, and research lab members to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data Demonstrate initiative in determining work priorities and meet deadlines Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, experimental, multi-tasking, and organizational skills are required Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs, growth/learning mindset
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships * Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment