Cho Lab Research Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Research Assistant in the Cho Lab. Key duties include conducting rodent surgeries, performing imaging techniques, and supporting various research projects in spinal cord injury. Applicants should have a BSc in Neuroscience or related field, previous lab experience, and ability to work flexible hours. This position offers a competitive salary and is integral to advancing research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum three years of related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience in wet labs, working with rodents, and histology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the collection of neural tissues for experimental analysis.
• Procures laboratory supplies and maintains inventory.
• Conducts rodent surgeries and performs various histological procedures.

Skills

Rodent surgeries

Histological procedures

Microscopy

Animal behaviour training

Statistical analysis

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

BSc or advanced graduate degree in Neuroscience or Biotechnology

Completion of a relevant technical program

Tools

Confocal microscope

Cryostat

Job description

Overview

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title Cho Lab Research Assistant
Department Research and Facilities Support | International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date September 30, 2025

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

Job End Date September 30, 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

The position supports research activities in the Cho Laboratory at ICORD with a focus on imaging and rodent models of spinal cord injury (atraumatic and traumatic). Depending on the experiment, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts will be required from time to time.

Organizational Status

ICORD is a world leading health research centre focused on spinal cord injury. From the lab-based cellular level of understanding injury to rehabilitation and recovery, our researchers are dedicated to the development and translation of more effective strategies to promote prevention, functional recovery, and improved quality of life after 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. Visit www.icord.org.

The Cho Lab at ICORD is led by Dr. Newton Cho. The goal of the lab is to develop viable translatable neuromodulatory therapies of the brain and spinal cord to improve hand and gait function after spinal cord injury. By leveraging whole brain clearing, light-sheet imaging, and atlas registration in rodents in addition to circuit dissection with techniques such as optogenetics, the Cho Lab aims to identify novel targets and circuits for modulation to improve function.

The Research Assistant reports directly to Dr. Cho and liaises with ICORD administrative staff for assistance with equipment orders and facilities-related issues. The Research Assistant may represent the Cho Lab on the ICORD Safety Committee and provides training on equipment use and lab safety protocols for other lab members when appropriate.

Work Performed

Scientific duties:

• Conducts rodent habituation and care procedures, and assists in the collection of neural tissues for experimental analysis
• Performs rodent surgeries including spinal cord injury, viral injections, optic fiber implantation
• Performs animal behaviour training and testing activities such as catwalk/Vicon motion capture, food pellet reaching, overground locomotion
• Performs histological procedures including cryostat-sectioning and immunolabelling
• Performs whole brain/spinal cord clearing and immunolabelling
• Performs microscopy using a slide scanner and confocal microscope, including image capture and archiving
• Performs light-sheet imaging and image storage
• Analyzes and interprets experiment results and research data; assembles and summarizes data; performs statistical analysis of collected data
• Writes reports and presents research results at laboratory meetings
• Writes and updates lab manuals and standard operating procedures

Research support:

• Procures laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment; follows up on outstanding orders, investigates and resolves errors
• Organizes laboratory and stock, maintains inventory, replenishing/ordering supplies as required
• Prepares and/or maintains media, buffers, reagents, solutions, cultures and related material for routine laboratory use
• Reconciles credit card expenses and pays PO invoices in Workday
• Maintains internal purchase and inventory files
• Participates in weekly lab meetings; records and shares meeting minutes
• Assists with orientation for and training of new hires
• Performs other duties from time to time as required

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

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 supervise 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

BSc or an advanced graduate degree in Neuroscience or Biotechnology is preferred. Experience working in a wet lab with exposure to both surgical procedures in rodents, animal handling and training in tasks, and histology is highly desired. Experience in tissue slicing and confocal imaging preferred. Knowledge of image analysis and quantification is preferred. Excellent communication skills are required. Attention to detail required. Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment is required. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills are necessary for this position. Must be available to work evening, weekend, and overnight shifts from time to time as required.