BioAugmentative Lab Research Assistant

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian research institution seeks a BioAugmentative Lab Research Assistant to support neuroscience research activities. The ideal candidate will perform experiments, animal care, and histological procedures in an innovative research environment. Applicants should hold a relevant degree and have experience in animal handling and lab work. This position offers the opportunity for R&D tasks alongside standard responsibilities, fostering a dynamic learning environment with potential career growth.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of three years of related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience in a wet lab environment, focused on chemistry or materials science, is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Perform small rodent surgeries and animal care.
• Conduct histological procedures including cryostat-sectioning and staining.
• Utilize microscopy for image capture and analysis.

Skills

Animal care and behavior training

Histological procedures

Microscopy and image analysis

Python programming

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Science or Applied Science

Completion of relevant technical program

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title BioAugmentative Lab Research Assistant Department Shahriari Laboratory | International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly Posting End Date January 10, 2026

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

Job End Date July 15, 2026

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

Supports research activities for a neuroscience research position at ICORD with the primary role of performing experiments and animal care.

Organizational Status

ICORD is a world leading health research centre focused on spinal cord injury. Located at Vancouver General Hospital in the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, ICORD is supported by UBC Faculties of Medicine and Science, and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.

The research laboratory of BioAugmentative Interfaces Lab (https://bioauglab.med.ubc.ca/) at ICORD is led by Dr. Dena Shahriari. The goal of the lab is to develop neuroelectronic devices, sensors and smart biomaterials to interface and communicate with the body for tissue repair and organ augmentation.

The Research Assistant reports directly to Dr. Shahriari. Occasionally works with research personnel in other ICORD laboratories. Provides training on equipment use and lab safety protocols for other lab members when appropriate and work with ICORD’s admin as needed. Depending on previous education and experience, there may be opportunity for performing R&D in addition to some lab management tasks. Please state in your cover letter what your goals for joining in this position are and state any previous experiences with the duties listed below. The position is initially listed for a 6 month-period with possibility of extension.

Work Performed

• Performs small rodent surgeries and animal care
• Performs animal behaviour training and testing activities such as rearing, catwalk, food pellet reaching, over ground locomotion.
• Performs histological procedures including cryostat-sectioning and staining.
• Performs microscopy using a confocal microscope, including image capture and archiving.
• Performs image capture of stained sections for presentations and publications, and conducts quantitative image analysis.
• Depending on education/experience, may work on soldering electronic components, device fabrication, assist with programming in Python, grant writing and sketching figures.
• Procures laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment using UBC credit card and purchase orders; follows up on outstanding orders, investigates and resolves errors.
• Performs other duties from time to time as required.

The majority of work will be performed in a large research lab or vivarium. All hazards associated with a typical research lab environment (for example: polymers, reagents, and other chemicals, sharps, allergens, waste, etc.) will be present, but appropriate safety training will be provided.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to supervisor. Carelessness during the performance of research duties could reduce the quality of research conducted in the lab and jeopardize the lab’s ability to secure future funding by competing for research grants. Inappropriate judgment could also result in deterioration of animal health, including mortality and could lead to the revocation of ethics certification for the lab.

Supervision Received

Reports to the PI of the laboratory. Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.

Supervision Given

Although the Research Assistant does not actually supervise any other staff on a regular basis, they will act as a resource for lab members and may mentor volunteers.

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

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science (preferably in neuroscience, biology, or related fields) preferred. Experience working with animals and performing animal surgeries is highly desired. Experience working in a wet lab (preferably chemistry or materials science) an asset. Excellent organization and communication skills is required. Attention to detail required. Experience in tissue slicing and confocal imaging preferred. Knowledge of image analysis and quantification is preferred. Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment is required.