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 October 2, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date November 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 databases, creation of new Biobank SOPs and research protocols, overseeing rigorous ethical guidelines, consenting participants, scheduling the collection of biospecimens from hospital clinics and external laboratories, transporting/processing/cataloguing biospecimens in a safe and timely manner, and overseeing the operations, testing, and maintenance of core Biobank equipment.
Organizational Status
The Borgland Family Brain Tissue and DNA Bank is a well-established core facility dedicated to the collection, processing, storage and distribution 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 DMCBH, as well as external users. 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 Performed

• Collects biospecimens from patients in the clinics or laboratories at DMCBH and UBC Hospital (venipuncture certificate completion via BCIT preferred; training will be provided);
• Processes a vast range of biospecimens, preserving and retrieving them according to corresponding SOPs and protocols;
• Assesses the quality of biospecimens and conducts cell and tissue isolation and culture procedures;
• Plans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; collects, records, analyses and interprets results;
• Organizes shipping of biospecimens according to MTA and SOPs;
• Assists with the development, maintenance, and data entry/extraction of databases, including REDCap and OpenSpecimen platforms;
• Oversees informed consent procedures with research participants;
• Assists the Research Coordinator with the design of experiments and/or development of new techniques and SOPs;
• Coordinates, monitors, and ensures the implementation and enforcement of Biobank safety rules and procedures;
• Oversees the operations, testing, and maintenance of core Biobank equipment and ensures adequate inventory of supplies and materials.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in the processing and sorting of biospecimens 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 Research Coordinator.
It is critical that the incumbent is detail-oriented, 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 Research Coordinator
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, detail-oriented, and adaptable. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work with others in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Training and working knowledge in Biosafety and Chemical safety courses, working knowledge of REDCap and/or OpenSpeicmen, TCPS-2, GCP, and privacy courses considered an asset. Training and experience in phlebotomy and obtaining patient consent for research will be considered an asset.

Skills Required