RA/Tech I

Staff - Union

Job Category: BCGEU Okanagan Support Staff

Job Profile: BCGEU OK Salaried - Research Assistant and Technician I

Job Title: RA/Tech I

Department: UBCO | Postdoctoral Research Support | Pakpour | School of Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range: $3,959.00 - $4,539.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date: April 28, 2025

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

Job End Date: Apr 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 aim of the research program is to elucidate the effects of gut microbiota–dependent coprostanol production on saliva and serum cholesterol, lipoprotein production and atherosclerosis. Using non-invasive monitoring techniques, the aim is also to build an extensive library of stool isolated microbial strains able to convert absorbable cholesterol into poorly absorbable coprostanol, which will eventually be of great interest for development of novel personalized cardiovascular disease therapies.

The Research Assistant Technician will assist with sample collection kit preparation and shipment for the national and international collaborators. The Research Assistant Technician is responsible for preparing sample collection kits for biological samples, kit distributions to donors by mail, receiving samples, basic processing, and storage.

Organizational Status: The research assistant will report directly to Dr. Sepideh Pakpour (Assistant Professor) and may on occasion communicate with donors and national and international collaborators.

Work Performed:

1. Organize laboratory and stock, maintain inventory and distribute supplies.
2. Operate, maintain and troubleshoot problems with standard equipment.
3. Prepare and/or maintain media, buffer, reagents, solutions, cultures and related material for routine laboratory use.
4. Biological sample collection kit preparation will require:
1. Purchasing of supplies
2. Assembly of stool collection kits
3. Mailing kits and receiving samples
5. Processing samples will require:
1. Centrifuge specimens (if needed) and preparation of aliquots or components of specimens according to the specifications of the test to be performed.
2. Storing samples

Consequence of Error / Impact of Decisions: The work of the Research Assistant will be monitored by Dr. Sepideh Pakpour. Errors or incorrect decisions could potentially result in delays in completing the project or seriously compromise the quality of the research.

Supervision Received: The Research Assistant will be directly supervised by Dr. Sepideh Pakpour.

Supervision Given: The Research Assistant will not be supervising others.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School graduation and a minimum one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Bachelor’s degree in biology is preferred.
3. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
4. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Skills:

1. UBC WHMIS safety training.
2. UBC Transportation of dangerous goods training - needed for Biological materials, including clinical samples, animal tissues, cell lines, viruses, prions or bacterial strains.
3. Ability to multi-task and to work both independently and within a team environment.
4. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
5. Accuracy and attention to detail required.