Research Assistant, MAIN Lab

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

Job summary

A major research institution in Vancouver seeks a part-time Research Assistant for the MAIN Lab to support nutrition-focused research. Candidates should have a strong background in health-related disciplines and experience in research settings. The role involves preparing research materials, conducting experiments, and managing supplies and data. Successful candidates demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and a commitment to equity and diversity.

Qualifications

• High school graduation with three years of related experience or equivalent.
• Commitment to respect diverse perspectives.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare research materials and assist with documentation.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage supplies.
• Design, conduct, and collect data from experiments.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Critical thinking

Computer skills

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline

Graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.)

Tools

Microsoft Office

R

SPSS

Job description

Overview

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job ProfileNon Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant, MAIN Lab Department Research Support | McKendry Academic Group | Food, Nutrition and Health Program | Faculty of Land and Food Systems Compensation Range $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly Posting End Date October 1, 2025

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

Job End Date July 5, 2026

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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 Muscle, Aging, (In)Activity, and Nutrition (MAIN) Laboratory is looking to hire a part-time Research Assistant to support the launch of a human skeletal muscle protein metabolism and nutrition-focused research lab.

Organizational Status

The Research Assistant will report directly to the MAIN Lab Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. James McKendry. The position may involve interacting with other students, departmental staff, faculty, and collaborators (internal and external).

All working relationships should align with UBC’s commitment to a respectful environment: “The University of British Columbia envisions a climate in which students, faculty and staff are provided with the best possible conditions for learning, researching and working, including an environment that is dedicated to excellence, equity and mutual respect. The University of British Columbia strives to realize this vision by establishing employment and educational practices that respect the dignity of individuals and make it possible for everyone to live, work and study in a positive and supportive environment, free from harmful behaviours such as bullying and harassment.”

Work Performed

Prepare research materials and assist with research study documentation. This may involve:

• Preparing materials for grant submissions by revising applications, comparing materials to grant guidelines, contacting co-investigators, collecting documents, tracking deadlines, completing research project information forms, and obtaining signatures.
• Preparing ethics submissions
• Maintaining study-related documents (in regulatory/study binder), ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for protocols and analyses

Maintain laboratory equipment, manage supplies, and ensure compliance with safety protocols and ethical guidelines. This could include:

• Assisting in the setup and organization of the new lab space
• Preparing solutions and maintaining inventory of lab supplies
• Setting up and calibrating research equipment
• Tracking inventory and ordering necessary supplies in consultation with the PI
• Following proper procedures for handling biohazards and dangerous materials
• Maintaining confidentiality of research subjects and data

Design, conduct, and collect data from experiments. This may involve:

• Conducting literature reviews on relevant topics
• Analyzing and interpreting data using statistical software for quantitative analysis
• Preparing the code for standardized analyses
• Collecting and processing biological samples (e.g., blood, muscle biopsies)
• Performing basic laboratory techniques, such as western blotting, ELISA, and PCR

Collaborate professionally and courteously with other team members and potentially mentor undergraduate and graduate students. This could include:

• Participating in project meetings and area seminars
• Training and guiding undergraduate research assistants
• Participating in the hiring of research assistants, undergraduates, graduate students, and co-op students to conduct research studies.

Communicate research outcomes. This may involve:

• Writing detailed reports of experiments and findings
• Assisting with the preparation of abstracts and manuscripts for publication
• Preparing and delivering presentations

Perform other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Exercises a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the unit. Accuracy, timeliness, and sound judgment are required to maximize the effectiveness in the role. Thus, the individual will need to exercise independent judgment when working with a diverse group of people - students, staff, faculty, and collaborators (internal and external). As the research lab is just launching, work may be subject to checks by the PI.

Supervision Received

The individual will work in close collaboration with the PI. However, individual will be given frequent opportunities and the freedom to work under minimum supervision, receiving guidance and instruction as required.

Supervision Given

The individual may have supervisory/mentorship responsibilities for a small group of students/employees in lower classifications. The individual may be required to guide and mentor other research assistants, graduate students, undergraduate co-op or directed studies students, volunteers, and other members of the research team. Also, the individual may have input into staff/student selection and performance evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field 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

- Preference for a bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline (e.g., kinesiology, nutrition/dietetics, physiology, health sciences or equivalent).

- Preference for a graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in a health-related field or equivalent qualifications.

- Experience in clinical and/or basic science research, as a research coordinator, or the equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.

- Recent experience in a university or clinical research environment is preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Effective interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and the ability to participate collegially with a team.
• Effective critical thinking skills and understanding of complex data management principles.
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office and data entry software.
• Statistical analyses and associated software (e.g., R and SPSS)
• Experience with biological sample collection (e.g., muscle biopsy) and processing
• Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and equipment use
• Completion of relevant clinical research and ethics courses/tutorials (i.e., TCPS 2, GCP, UBC REB) or willingness to obtain these courses/tutorials.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to determine the nature and urgency of inquiries and issues, and triage appropriately.
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and assignments.
• Ability to perform technical writing and editing duties.
• Ability to develop and work with large clinical (e. g., registry data), research or administrative databases.
• The position may involve some physical demands, such as lifting equipment and standing for extended periods.