de Boer Labs - Research Assistant / Technician 3

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is looking for a Research Assistant / Technician 3 to develop and manage mammalian cell libraries, perform complex experiments, and assist in various research projects. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a relevant discipline alongside three years of related experience. Skills in molecular biology and commitment to diversity and inclusion are preferred. This position offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex experiments involving mammalian cell culture independently or in collaboration.
• Assist in planning and organizing projects with senior staff.
• Conduct data analysis and present results.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular cloning

NGS sequencing

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

Job Summary

The primary goals of the Research Assistant / Technician 3 are to create mammalian cell libraries containing different synthetic regulatory DNA sequences. This includes developing induced pluripotent stem cell lines and measuring the regulatory activity of queried DNA. The incumbent will perform highly skilled tasks such as the optimization and scaling up of mammalian cell transfections and other cellular and molecular biology techniques as required.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Principal Investigator and is supervised by senior researchers in the lab.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex experiments involving mammalian cell culture either independently or in collaboration with other lab members, including: human pluripotent stem cell maintenance, expansion, and characterization.


• Assists senior level staff in planning, organizing, and troubleshooting projects and participating in complex research activities, including:


• Genetic engineering of mammalian cells, optimizing and scaling up mammalian cell transfection protocols


• Next generation sequencing


• Handling high molecular weight DNA


• Standard molecular and cell biology techniques such as PCR, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, microscopy, cloning, isolation / extraction and characterization of DNA, RNA, gel electrophoresis, etc.


• Conducts complex data analysis with minimal supervision.


• Writes reports, presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the writing of publications and grant applications.


• Provides training to undergraduate students, new and lower-level technicians in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.


• Coordinates, monitors and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures.

Consequence of Error / Judgement

Makes professional decisions and recommendations on all aspects of research work. Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have a significant impact on the effectiveness, reputation, collaboration, and financial status of the research project. Inappropriate judgment could result in fundamental flaws in the research results, in funding shortfalls for research grants or contracts, and loss of future research partnerships.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision of senior researchers, with additional guidance from the Principal Investigator. Receives specific instructions only on unusual problems or matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

Supervision Given

May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees at lower classifications in which case they are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

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

• Candidates with a background in molecular biology or a related field are preferred.


• The successful candidate will be a passionate, self-driven, independent thinker with excellent organizational, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic.


• Preference will be given to candidates who have skills in mammalian cell culture, particularly stem cell culture.


• Other preferred skills include: NGS sequencing, molecular cloning, handling high molecular weight DNA, flow cytometry, and genome editing.