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 Phillips Laboratory | Department of Psychiatry | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date January 20, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date December 31, 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 Assistant will support ongoing preclinical studies focused on behavioural neuroscience, addiction, and neuropharmacology primarily using rodent models. This position involves hands-on work with rats, behavioural testing, surgical procedures, and drug administration, as well as general laboratory support. The position requires a high degree of independence, attention to detail, and adherence to UBC animal care and safety guidelines.
Organizational Status
This position will work closely with Lab PI Dr. Anthony Phillips and Lab manager Dr. Soyon Ahn.
Work Performed
Conduct behavioural testing using established paradigms (e.g., operant conditioning, analgesia assays, and other behavioural assessments).
Perform small-animal surgical procedures, including stereotaxic surgeries, cannulation, and post-operative care.
Administer drugs using various delivery routes (oral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intravenous, etc.).
Assist with animal handling, monitoring, husbandry, and maintaining detailed animal use records in accordance with UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC) protocols.
Collect and process biological samples (e.g., microdialysis, tissue dissection, perfusions) as required by the research program.
Maintain laboratory equipment, surgical instruments, and work spaces to meet biosafety and animal welfare standards.
Assist with data collection, data entry, and preliminary analysis.
Perform other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Depending on the phase of an experiment, the consequence would range from minimal to serious. As most of the studies involve multiple animals assigned to difference groups, in most cases it is unlikely that serious outcomes will result. The most important requirement is to report any errors or lapses of judgement to the lab manager.
Supervision Received
Daily supervision is provided by the Laboratory Manager.
Supervision Given
Occasionally, the RA/Tech-3 employee may supervise an undergraduate research assistant.
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
Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Hands-on experience working with laboratory rats.
Demonstrated experience with behavioural neuroscience techniques, including behavioural testing and scoring.
Experience with small rodent surgeries, including stereotaxic procedures and post-operative monitoring.
Experience with multiple drug administration techniques (e.g., IP, SC, PO, IV).
Knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and experience working under institutional ACC protocols.
Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Skills Required