Job Description

Staff - Non UnionJob Category Non Union Technicians and Research AssistantsJob Title Research Assistant/Technician 4Department Cynader Laboratory | Department of Ophthalmology | Faculty of Medicine (Max Cynader)Posting End Date May 30, 2024Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.Job End Date May 31, 2024At 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 SummaryThe research assistant will work on gene therapy of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) project. The aim of this project is to develop disease-triggered \xe2\x80\x9cprotease activity sensors\xe2\x80\x9d (PAS) therapy in experimental models of ALS to prevent the loss of motor neurons during the progression of ALS. The PAS will be first evaluated in vitro using spinal cord (SC) and brain motor neurons from ALS mice by ELISA, immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blots, and then AVV9 vectors will be used to deliver PAS carrying therapeutic ectodomains into the SC and the brain of na\xc3\xafve and transgenic ALS mice for in vivo efficacy testing.The research assistant should be self-motivated and should be able to perform tasks with supervision. The individual should be able to work as a collaborative team member to achieve experimental goals.Organizational Status
The Research Assistant/Technician 4 will report directly to Dr. Max Cynader and Dr. Luba Kojic.Work Performed\xc2\xb7 Plans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; analyses and interprets experiment results; presents research results at laboratory meetings.\xc2\xb7 Performs cell culture experiments especially primary neuronal culture.\xc2\xb7 Performs molecular techniques such as PCR and real-time PCR, western blotting, immunoblotting, ELISA, cloning, isolation and characterization of DNA and RNA, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, etc.\xc2\xb7 Maintains transgenic mice for in vivo experiments; Performs spinal lumbar intrathecal, intra cisterna magna, and i.v. injections and animal surgery.\xc2\xb7 Visualizes and analyzes cells using regular microscopy and confocal microscopy.\xc2\xb7 Assists in running a laboratory, performing tasks, such as purchasing supplies and minor equipment, inventory of lab supplies and maintaining lab equipment.\xc2\xb7 Coordinates, monitors and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures.\xc2\xb7 Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.Consequence of Error/Judgement
Tasks are assigned by the research fellow and the director. RA is responsible for organizing, and scheduling of the tasks. RA is responsible for all tasks to be completed on time and making sure all research procedures and data collection activities are running smoothly. Consequences of errors made may include compromised integrity of research and success of research projectSupervision Received
Works under general supervision from Dr. Max Cynader and Dr. Luba Kojic. While instruction is given on assignment of duties, work is expected to be conducted independently, with new or unusual problems reported to the principal investigators.Supervision Given
This position may oversee the work of undergraduate student volunteers, work-learn students and lower classifications technicians.Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.- 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 inclusionPreferred Qualifications

University of British Columbia