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 Asst/Tech 3 (Maxwell Lab)

Department Maxwell Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine

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

Posting End Date July 4, 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

This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

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 Maxwell laboratory ( ) focuses on investigating the molecular basis of cell division and differentiation, applying that knowledge towards better understanding of hereditary and childhood tumors. We are hiring a Research Tech III to study the molecular and cellular biology of cell division and differentiation, and to assist in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the lab. This includes onboarding and training of new lab members; maintaining equipment, inventories, and ordering; recommending workflow improvements; performing research experiments; and preparing data for meetings and publications.

The successful applicant must ethically conduct all research activities, in compliance with all applicable rules/regulations of The University of British Columbia and rules governing its activities. All procedures or data recorded must be accurate, reflect the work performed, and be reported to the principal investigator.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The research technician will report directly to Dr. Christopher Maxwell, the principal investigator, and work collaboratively and collegially within a cross-functional team members to meet project goals and objectives.

WORK PERFORMED

• Plan out and perform the steps of each experiment. Lab techniques may include: mammalian cell culture and transfection; mammary tissue dissociation and culture of primary mammary cells; DNA extraction and amplification; RNA extraction and downstream experiments/analyses; molecular cloning; amplification, purification, and titration of lentiviruses; immunofluorescence staining; live imaging; protein assays; western blotting; gel electrophoresis; flow cytometry; co-immunoprecipitations; apoptosis assays; cell migration and proliferation assays; gene editing; bioinformatics analysis; others as required.
• Support with mouse models, small animal handling, husbandry, and colony management.
• Troubleshoot experiments with the principal investigator, repeating experiments as needed.
• Collect and record data accurately using Labguru, an electronic lab notebook.
• Compile, analyze, and summarize data using statistical and other computer-based software.
• Present research results in a PowerPoint format at regular lab meetings to lab members.
• Contribute to scientific publications and grant writing.
• Assist in training and mentoring new lab members in the proper use of lab equipment, techniques, and procedures, and explaining scientific background information.
• Train new lab staff in lab safety rules and procedures and ensure their compliance.
• Operate and maintain various lab equipment to ensure they are in good working order. This includes cleaning and calibrating lab equipment and running quality controls.
• General lab housekeeping and maintenance, which may include dishwashing and sterilization of lab glassware, waste management, and organization.
• Other related tasks and duties as required.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

The applicant is expected to exercise good judgment and responsibility in determining and coordinating work flow. They should carefully observe and evaluate all experimental results. Dr. Maxwell will meet regularly with them to discuss methodology, results, and problems. Errors may be corrected by repeating experiments. Poor judgment, incorrect decisions, or errors may result in incorrect data interpretation and potential loss of funding.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The applicant will be trained in various research techniques and expected to perform the tasks independently. The principal investigator will assist in troubleshooting as needed. The successful applicant will meet weekly with the principal investigator in scheduled one-on-one meetings and lab meetings.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

The research technician will help supervise and train new undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Undergraduate degree in molecular or cellular biology, immunology, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Experience in a research environment is preferred. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to exercise tact and discretion. Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve. Have key understanding of the process of research projects, from proposals to publications. Understand the key elements of knowledge translation. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

This position will remain open until filled and will begin as soon as possible as an initial one-year term appointment, with potential for renewal. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please include a 1-page cover letter and resume with your application.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

University of British Columbia