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 Support Technician (NIRS)

Department Kwon Pre-clinical Group | International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries | Faculty of Medicine

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

Posting End Date March 26, 2023

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

Job End Date Jan 31, 2024

Job Summary
This position supports team-based research projects involving the evaluation of implantable biosensors (primarily based on near-infrared spectroscopy or NIRS) as a potential medical diagnostic technique for the investigation of oxygenation changes following spinal cord injury (SCI).

Organizational Status

The International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) is a world-leading health research centre focused on spinal cord injury. Located at the Vancouver General Hospital at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, ICORD is supported by UBC Faculties of Medicine and Science and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Visit . As an ICORD principal investigator, orthopedic surgeon of the Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, and director of the Vancouver Spine Research Program, Dr. Kwon runs an active translational research laboratory to study a broad range of topics from furthering our understanding of the basic science of spinal cord injury, to improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury in humans and animal models of SCI ( ).

The Research Technician reports to Dr. Brian Kwon, but receives day-to-day supervision from the Research Associate / Project Manager. Has frequent interaction with staff and students in other ICORD labs. Work will be carried out predominantly at the main lab at ICORD.

Work Performed

• Assists with biosensor/system design optimization experiments for advancing implantable biosensors from the laboratory to real-world applications.
• Develops, plans and executes validation tests with new revisions of biosensors using phantom models, ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments.
• Assists with the technical and logistical planning of experiments, including setting up and testing instruments and accessories that are needed for benchtop testing and pre-clinical biosensor evaluation experiments.
• Collects, organizes, and summarizes experimental data using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications.
• Performs statistical analysis of biosensor performance and interprets and presents results.

Reviews research results for deviations and anomalies, and communicates potential impacts to the team. * Develops, revises and maintains lab manuals, protocols and SOPs.

• Actively participates in technical meetings and provides regular updates on research activities.
• Contributes to the preparation and writing of reports and data documentation, as well as graphs and charts from laboratory instrumentation.
• Prepares and delivers presentations for project meetings.
• Conducts literature searches, as well as reviews and assists with the synthesis of literature.
• Assists with general lab organization and upkeep, including tracking and maintenance of equipment.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Inappropriate judgment could hinder the research program from achieving its deliverables resulting in the termination of funding, could damage relationships with collaborating academic research teams, industry partners/stakeholders, and could negatively impact the reputation of the research lab, ICORD, and UBC.

Supervision Received

The Research Technician reports to the Principal Investigator and Research Associate of the research group but is expected to work under minimum supervision as part of a collaborative team. May receives general guidance and instructions from senior staff as required during specific research tasks.

Supervision Given

There is no formal supervisory responsibility associated with this position, but the Research Technician is expected to share technical knowledge and teach techniques to others in the lab. If agreed upon, they may provide functional direction to undergraduate or other 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a research lab highly desirable. Previous project, internship, or co-op experience with medical devices is an asset.

Strong organizational and record-keeping skills are necessary for this position.

Effective oral and written communication is required.

Excellent interpersonal skills are needed, as are attention to detail and the demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment to achieve project goals.

Demonstrated knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at an intermediate level is essential, specifically familiarity with analyzing and summarizing data in Excel.

Successful completion of UBC Chemical and Biohazard Safety courses is an asset.

Able to read and comprehend scientific and technical material.

Experience in data analysis and a basic background in statistical analysis is desired.

Experience with data analysis in Python or MATLAB is a strong asset.

University of British Columbia