Job Description

Staff - Non UnionJob Category Non Union Technicians and Research AssistantsJob Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4Job Title Senior Research TechnologistDepartment Huntsman Laboratory MEDG | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of MedicineCompensation Range $5,220.98 - $6,124.46 CAD MonthlyPosting End Date August 7, 2024Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.Job End Date Jul 15, 2025This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.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
BC\xe2\x80\x99s Gynecologic Cancer Initiative is a dynamic interdisciplinary team dedicated to pioneering research that transforms how we prevent, diagnose, treat and improve survivorship care for people with gynecological cancer. We\xe2\x80\x99re looking for a Senior Research Technologist to drive forward our mission through the development and utilization of advanced animal models. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to cutting-edge research aimed at deepening our understanding of gynecologic cancers and innovating new treatments. As a pivotal team leader, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cancer care. We\xe2\x80\x99re looking for a highly motivated and self-directed individual who thrives as part of a collaborative, fast-paced environment with diverse priorities. If you take pride in making meaningful contributions to scientific advancements and are passionate about improving outcomes for cancer patients, we encourage you to apply.Organizational Status
The Senior Research Technologist will report directly to Principal Investigators, Dr. David Huntsman and Dr. Yemin Wang. You will serve as the primary liaison for animal care facilities at the Jack Bell Research Centre and BC Cancer Research Institute, fostering collaboration with interdisciplinary teams across UBC, VCHRI, and BC Cancer to achieve strategic research objectives.Work Performed

• Develop and oversee comprehensive animal research protocols and study records across projects, ensuring strict adherence to institutional guidelines and regulatory compliance
• Lead the preparation and amendment of animal protocols and annual renewals, providing summaries of animal usage to UBC quarterly and Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC) yearly.
• Ensure adherence to federal and university guidelines and policies on animal welfare, monitoring health, behavior and welfare of laboratory animals in accordance with CCAC standards.
• Chair and organize regular animal user meetings, overseeing logistics and documentation to foster collaboration and compliance.
• Maintain compliance of animal holding and procedure rooms with CCAC and the UBC Animal Care Committee standards.
• Design and conduct advanced animal research experiments including development of patient-derived xenograft models and genetically-modified mouse models, drug dosing and efficacy studies, and colony management (breeding, weaning and genotyping)
• Provide expert guidance, supervision, and training to junior staff and new team members in animal research techniques and welfare protocols.
• Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students in molecular and cellular biology techniques, ensuring adherence to best practices in experimental procedures.
• Perform and oversee necropsies, blood sampling and complex surgical procedures for animal work.
• Maintain and expand technical expertise in relevant areas of animal research and cancer biology.
• Plan and execute the procurement and maintenance of animals, supplies and equipment critical for research activities. This includes negotiating contracts, assessing vendor performance, and ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Implement procurement strategies to optimize resource allocation.
• Lead the ordering process for general laboratory supplies and equipment, emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Implement inventory management systems and streamline procurement processes to support uninterrupted research operations.
• Develop and oversee protocols for equipment maintenance, calibration, and repairs, ensuring equipment reliability and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop and manage the cancer cell line and primary tumor bank, overseeing the collection, storage, and distribution of samples to support ongoing research. Implement protocols for sample tracking, quality control, and data integrity to maintain the highest standards of research ethics and compliance.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures such as mycoplasma and short tandem repeat (STR) testing for cell lines, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices. Establish a robust documentation system for testing results and compliance records, facilitating audits and inspections with confidence.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The incumbent is entrusted with significant judgment and responsibility in coordinating workflow and evaluating experimental results. While guidance is available from the Animal Research Centre (ARC) management team at BC Cancer Research Centre and Drs. David Huntsman/Yemin Wang, decisions must align with established protocols and best practices. Errors in judgment may lead to inaccurate data interpretation and could jeopardize research outcomes and funding. Continuous diligence and adherence to research standards are crucial to maintaining the integrity and success of our research initiatives.Supervision Received
The Senior Research Technologist will leverage their experience in animal work to autonomously execute assigned tasks. Principal investigators will provide troubleshooting assistance as needed, ensuring seamless progress. Regular attendance at scheduled weekly lab meetings with the principal investigator is required, fostering collaboration and alignment with research objectives.Supervision Given
The Senior Research Technologist will supervise and provide expert guidance and training to junior staff and new team members.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

• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in conducting complex surgical procedures on laboratory animals and managing transgenic animal colonies
• Willingness and availability to work on-call as essential personnel for animal-related duties, ensuring continuity of research protocols.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, essential for conveying research findings, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and preparing regulatory documentation.
• Proven capability to analyze complex problems, identify crucial information, propose effective solutions, contributing to the success of research projects.
• Understanding of research project lifecycle. Familiarity with the entire research project lifecycle, from initial proposal development through to publication, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team environment, fostering a culture of innovation and shared success.

University of British Columbia