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 Technician 3
Department
Research Core Facility Biobank | Centre for Brain Health | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
May 29, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Nov 30, 2027
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 (RT) is a key staff member of the Borgland Family Brain Tissue and DNA Bank core facility and will be responsible for taking the lead role in overseeing several complex activities including: managing the patient database, the creation of new Biobank SOPS and research protocols, overseeing rigorous ethical guidelines, scheduling the collection of derived bio specimens from surgical suites, hospital clinics, and external laboratories; and will oversee the operations, testing, and maintenance of core Biobank equipment. In addition, the RT will be responsible for transporting and processing the bio specimens in a safe and timely manner.



Organizational Status
The Borgland Family Brain Tissue and DNA Bank is a well-established core facility dedicated to the collection, storage and distribution of the highest quality of human biospecimens. Located in the DM Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) building, this facility is a valuable resource used by a broad range of investigators and clinics at the UBC Hospital site and beyond. It serves as a critical link between clinical and research teams, allowing for the acceleration of research projects that will lead to the development of new therapies and techniques.



Work PerformedOversees and manages the Biobank patient database including data entry, extraction and archiving; Assists with the development of the new patient database using REDCap and Open Specimens platforms; Oversees informed consent procedures with research participants; Assists the Facilities Manager with the design of experiments and/or development of new techniques and SOPS; Plans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; collects, records, analyses and interprets results; Coordinates, monitors and ensures the implementation and enforcement of Biobank safety rules and procedures; Collects bio specimens from patients in the clinics or laboratories at DMCBH and UBC Hospital; Processes a vast range of bio specimens, preserving and retrieving them according to corresponding SOPs and protocols; Assesses the quality of bio specimens and conducts cell and tissue isolation and culture procedures; Organizes shipping of bio specimens according to MTA and biospecimen transferring SOPs; Oversees the operations, testing, and maintenance of core Biobank equipment and ensures adequate inventory of supplies and materials; Provides training to undergraduate students to perform fecal specimen processing.


Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in the processing and sorting of bio specimens could have significant detrimental effects on the Biobank. Breach of the Biobank policies and procedures, including misuse or inappropriate disclosure of patient information, may be just cause for the termination of employment.
The RT is expected to exercise sound judgement at all times and if in doubt seek advice and guidance from the Facilities Manager.
It is critical that the incumbent is thorough, personable and trustworthy when obtaining consent from patients. Failure to be transparent will significantly affect the reputation of the Biobank.

Supervision Received



The RT will report directly to the Biobank Facilities Manager.

Supervision Given



N/A

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
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. Experience in a hospital or research laboratory or biobank preferred. Must be organized and adaptable. Training and working knowledge in REDCap and/or other platforms is an asset. Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work with others in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Training and experience in phlebotomy and obtaining patient consent for research will be considered an asset.