Research Assistant/Tech 1 - Nielsen

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 49,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia seeks a Research Assistant/Technician 1 to support MAPcore by performing routine lab tasks related to specimen preparation and lab maintenance. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals early in their research careers seeking hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.

Reporting to MAPcore Laboratory Manager, you will work with senior staff and trainees on diverse projects, performing histology prep, documentation, and basic data entry while

Qualifications

• High school graduation and a minimum one year 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 equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing specimens from paraffin tissue blocks for histological analyses.
• Label slides and ensure proper documentation and tracking of samples.
• Maintain and organize laboratory supplies and perform regular inventory checks.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and workspaces.
• Perform basic data entry and maintain records according to established protocols.
• Assist with receiving, logging, and tracking incoming work orders and specimens.
• Support routine equipment checks and cleaning.
• Help prepare reagents and buffers using established protocols.
• Participate in basic literature searches when needed.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Data entry

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 1 Job Title Research Assistant/Tech 1 - Nielsen Department MAPCore | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,359.73 - $4,781.54 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 23, 2026 Job End Date September 7, 2027 The anticipated start date for this position is September 8, 2026. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension. 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 Research Assistant/Technician 1 (Tech 1) will support MAPcore by performing routine and entry-level laboratory tasks related to specimen preparation and lab maintenance. The role is ideal for individuals early in their research careers who are seeking experience in a collaborative environment.

Organizational Status

The position reports directly to the MAPcore Laboratory Manager and works under the general direction of senior technical staff. The incumbent will work closely with faculty members, research staff, and trainees, supporting a variety of projects and lab functions.

Work Performed

• Assist with preparing specimens from paraffin tissue blocks for histological analyses
• Label slides and ensure proper documentation and tracking of samples
• Maintain and organize laboratory supplies and perform regular inventory checks
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and workspaces
• Perform basic data entry and maintain records according to established protocols
• Assist with receiving, logging, and tracking incoming work orders and specimens
• Support routine equipment checks and cleaning
• Help prepare reagents and buffers using established protocols
• Participate in basic literature searches when needed
• Carry out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and scope of the classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors may have deleterious impact on experiments to be performed. Intermittent errors would necessitate review of quality control techniques and continual errors in routine work could lead to discipline or dismissal.

Supervision Received

Works under close supervision of senior technical staff and the Laboratory Manager. Detailed oral and written instructions are provided for all new or non-routine tasks.

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

• Experience in a research environment is preferred
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety and cleanliness
• Ability to follow detailed protocols with attention to accuracy and consistency
• Ability to communicate clearly and work as part of a team
• Basic computer skills for data entry and file management

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].