Research Assistant/Tech 3 - Nielsen

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Assistant/Technician 3 will join MAPCore in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at The University of British Columbia. The role supports molecular and advanced pathology cancer research using multiplex immunohistochemistry, digital spatial profiling, and advanced microscopy.

The position is based at Jack Bell Research Centre and reports to the facility leads and principal investigators.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline
• Minimum three years of related experience
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Responsibilities

• Plans and performs routine laboratory procedures including H&E, special stains or IHC and ISH according to established protocols
• Troubleshoots technical issues; collects, records, and summarizes experimental results
• Monitors laboratory inventory; orders supplies and coordinates restocks
• Coordinates routine equipment servicing and repairs with vendors and service technicians
• Provides training and technical guidance to laboratory staff, students, and trainees

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Laboratory techniques

Education

Relevant technical program or university degree

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant/Tech 3 - Nielsen Department MAPCore | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,845.17 - $5,713.66 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 30, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date September 14, 2027 The anticipated start date for this position is September 15 , 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 will be responsible for the development of research protocols and assist in research projects using state-of-the-art multiplex immunohistochemistry, digital spatial profiling technologies and advanced microscopy. The Research Assistant will work within a collaborative and multidisciplinary research team environment to support molecular and advanced pathology cancer research, and be based at the Molecular and Advanced Pathology core (MAPcore) laboratory at Jack Bell Research Centre

Organizational Status

The Research Assistant will report directly to Dr. David Huntsman, Dr. Torsten Nielsen, and Dr. Seti Boroomand, and will work with researchers of all levels and from different research backgrounds. Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills are necessary to work effectively as a member of these multidisciplinary teams.

Work Performed

Plans and performs routine laboratory procedures including H&E, special stains or IHC and ISH, according to established protocols. Troubleshoots technical issues; collects, records, and summarizes experimental results. Processes tissue specimens, including embedding, microtomy, sectioning, staining, coverslipping, and slide preparation for research projects. Performs routine histological staining procedures, including H&E and special stains, according to established protocols. Prepare slide sections from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks and scan using the slide scanner for research use. Performs tissue macrodissection under pathologist guidance for downstream molecular and research applications. Constructs Tissue Microarrays (TMAs) from FFPE tissue blocks. Prepares and organizes tissue sections, control slides, and other histological materials required for research studies. Performs routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments; maintains equipment usage logs and records of maintenance and service activities. Coordinates routine equipment servicing and repairs with vendors and service technicians to ensure laboratory instruments remain operational and properly maintained. Assists researchers and trainees with laboratory protocols, sample preparation, and experimental procedures. Provides training and technical guidance to laboratory staff, students, and trainees in the use of laboratory equipment, techniques, and procedures. Maintains laboratory records, sample tracking systems, and documentation in accordance with established procedures. Performs a range of duties associated with maintaining laboratory readiness, including ensuring workspaces are clean, organized, and adequately stocked with supplies and reagents. Monitors laboratory inventory; orders supplies and equipment; coordinates purchasing requests and restocks laboratory consumables as required. Handles service requests, sample intake, shipping, receiving, and distribution of laboratory materials. Serves as the laboratory safety representative; participates in safety meetings and helps maintain compliance with UBC, WorkSafeBC, and VCHRI safety policies, procedures, and training requirements. Carries out other related duties as required, consistent with the qualifications and requirements of the position.

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

Under overall supervision of the Principal Investigator and the direct supervision of the facility lead in the MAPcore.

Supervision Given

None.

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

• Master’s degree in a biological science
• Experience with complex immunohistochemistry and latest advances in digital pathology techniques
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively on large, multi-institutional projects
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal & written)
• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve

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.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.