Research Assistant/Tech 3 - Quandt

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Assistant/Technician to support groundbreaking research in neuroinflammation. This role involves managing laboratory operations, conducting experiments, and guiding students in cellular and molecular assays. The successful candidate will work closely with a dedicated team, ensuring adherence to protocols while exploring the intricate relationship between inflammation and nervous system repair. If you are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and enjoy a collaborative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or university degree required.
• Minimum three years of related experience or equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Plans and performs experiments, adhering to protocols and compliance.
• Assists with experiment design and development of new techniques.

Skills

Cell culture and aseptic technique

Molecular and cellular biology techniques

Experimental design and assay optimization

Strong interpersonal skills

Documentation and organizational skills

Education

University degree in Science

Diploma in related discipline

Tools

Statistical and graphing software

Fluorescence and light microscopy

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job ProfileNon Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant/Tech 3 - Quandt Department Quandt Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly Posting End Date May 19, 2025

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

Job End Date

Jun 1, 2026

The anticipated start date for this position is June 2, 2025. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension.

In your application please include (1) a cover letter, and (2) a CV or resume.

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 applicant is being recruited to aid in the management of and conduct research in a neuroinflammation-based research laboratory. Research in the Quandt lab focuses on the role of inflammation in damage and repair of the nervous system, including both in vitro systems and animal models of disease. Specifically, the applicant will be supporting the study of the functional relevance of immune cells, factors, and neuroprotective proteins in cells and culture as well as in animal models of disease. This will involve helping to oversee as well as conduct a variety of biomedical research-related protocols and techniques.

Organizational Status
This position will assist in driving the research program of the laboratory through experimentation, data analysis and presentation in addition to a primary role in laboratory organization, including maintaining records, ordering, overseeing credit card purchases and safety training/lab maintenance related items. The successful applicant will report to the Principal Investigator and will guide and train undergraduate and graduate students with cellular and molecular based assays/experiments including experiments utilizing in vivo or preclinical models of disease.

Work Performed

• Plans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; collects, records, analyses and interprets experiment results. Practices strict adherence to protocols in promoting and maintaining compliance and consistency in all lab related activities and experimentation.
• Assists with the design of experiments and/or development of new techniques for laboratories or facilities.
• Writes and updates reports, standard operating protocols (SOPs), presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the generation of data/figures and review of the writing of grant applications.
• Sets up, tests, operates and maintains common laboratory and other equipment. Provides training to trainees, new and lower level technicians in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures. This means training to proficiency and independent competency.
• Performs complex technical tasks, such as necropsies, blood sampling and minor surgical procedures involved in animal surgery.
• Coordinates, monitors and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures.
• Performs routine maintenance of equipment and replenishes lab supplies and solutions as necessary.
• Assist in running financial and supply aspects of a laboratory, performing tasks such as purchasing supplies and minor equipment and maintaining of accounts.
• May oversee and direct the work of one or two incumbents in lower level classifications.
• Helps coordinate the work of some lab members-conducts and guides progress of projects related to candidate’s experience and expertise including cellular and molecular assays, in vivo models of disease, immunological assays and flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy – tissue processing, sectioning, staining, image acquisition and analysis: epilfluorescence and/or confocal microscopy.
• Oversee the lab ordering, inventory, budgeting, payments to vendors, gathering quotations for equipment purchases and reconciling the purchase card which includes prepare expenses reports, JV, PO, and invoices for the lab via Workday.
• Carries out any other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The work requires a higher level of training, tasks are assigned and the incumbent exercises a considerable amount of responsibility, initiative and judgment in determining work procedures and methods and their work schedule to achieve those tasks. Meeting grant aims and experimental aims is fundamental to the research goals of the laboratory, and securing of future funds to maintain our research program. Incompetence or incorrect decisions or actions could jeopardize research progress, collaborations, future grant applications, finances and employee safety. Errors may result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable tissue samples, loss of thousands of dollars of material and/or damage to equipment. Incorrect decisions or actions may be financially costly. Noncompliance with biosafety and chemical safety regulations may also result in the closure of the facility or loss of grant funding.

Supervision Received
The successful applicant will report to the Principal Investigator to ensure priorities are addressed. Works under minimum supervision. Works under general supervision; receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.

Supervision Given

The successful applicant will assist with supervision of more junior research technicians or graduate/undergraduate students, giving instruction in use of lab equipment and procedures and will troubleshoot experiments being carried out by students/trainees.

May oversee and direct the work of one or more 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

The successful candidate will have extensive experience with several of the following techniques /approaches:

• University degree in Science and/or diploma in related discipline, preferred.
• An inherent understanding of the critical need to follow protocols precisely and consistently, to report unexpected outcomes and to work with careful attention to detail are essential in this role.
• Cell culture and aseptic technique, preferably involving both isolation and maintenance of rodent primary cultures as well as cell lines.
• Aseptic technique and experience with human blood handling for the isolation of PBMC and subsequent culture/assay.
• Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including many of the following: RNA/DNA isolation, quantitative PCR, transfection, siRNA knockdown and cDNA construct knockin with relevant molecular biology approaches, flow cytometry, immunohisto- and cytochemistry on cells as well as frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissues, ELISA, protein isolation and western blotting with immunoprecipitation and pulldown assays; biochemical assays.
• A comprehensive understanding of experimental design and assay optimization.
• Familiarity with word processing, statistical and graphing software, plus experience in manuscript preparation and literature searches and review.
• Experience performing fluorescence and light microscopy; conventional and/or confocal with associated software experience.
• Willingness to work with small rodents is essential. Able to carry out and oversee procedures involving small rodents including immunization/injections, necropsy, blood sampling, and minor surgical procedures involved in animal surgery.
• Maintenance/monitoring of colonies of transgenic animals, including colony breeding, screening and management.
• Ability to prioritize workload to meet departmental/laboratorial requirements and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills (orally and written) and the ability to interact positively and productively with other team members are essential.
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills.
• Well-organized, conscientious, understand the importance of detail, and be able to multi-task and prioritize duties effectively.