Research Assistant/Technician 1

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Assistant/Technician 1 to support the Sorensen laboratory in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The role involves organizing the lab, performing routine biochemical, molecular, and cell-based analyses under supervision, and assisting senior staff with experiments related to Ewing sarcoma research.

Based in Vancouver, BC, the RA/Tech will contribute to ongoing projects, maintain records, and assist with animal care where

Qualifications

• High school graduation with at least one year of related experience.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Undergraduate degree in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field preferred.
• Lab bench work experience and familiarity with research methodologies valuable.

Responsibilities

• Assists with routine cell culture maintenance and preparation for assays.
• Performs basic literature research relevant to the project.
• Maintains laboratory or shared equipment.
• Prepares media and reagents as required by protocols.
• Prepares samples according to established laboratory protocols.
• Assists with daily care of mice and records using Mosaic software.
• Reports results to the supervision team regularly.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Undergraduate degree in cell biology/biochemistry/molecular biology

Tools

Mosaic software

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/Technician 1 Department Sorensen Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,232.75 - $4,642.27 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 19, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date August 31, 2027 The anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 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 basic and translational research performed in the Sorensen laboratory seeks to improve basic knowledge and treatment options in Ewing sarcoma and other high-risk pediatric cancers. This position will involves assisting senior research staff in evaluating metabolic adaptation mechanisms that confer resistance to glutathione (GSH) depletion in Ewing sarcoma. The Research Assistant (RA) will assist, under supervision, in organizing the laboratory and assist with routine biochemical, molecular, and cell-based analyses.

Organizational Status

The Sorensen Lab is located at the BC Cancer Research Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The RA reports directly to the Principal Investigator and study leads within the research group.

Work Performed

• Assists with routine cell culture maintenance and preparation for assays.
• Performs basic literature research relevant to the project.
• Assist in the maintenance of laboratory or shared equipment
• Assist in media preparations
• Performs sample preparation according to established laboratory protocols and to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Assist with daily maintenance and care of mice.
• Keep an up-to-date record of mice and mouse cages using Mosaic software.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

When dealing with laboratory chemicals, the incumbent will exercise judgement based on the Biosafety and Laboratory Safety provided by online training modules. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment at all times and if in doubt seek advice from those that they may report to.

Supervision Received

The Research Assistant will work mostly independently from day to day. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Principal Investigator with additional guidance provided by the study leads, and will be expected to report their results to them regularly.

Supervision Given

None but may explain protocols to others (e.g. undergraduate students).

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

Undergraduate degree in a cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline preferred.

• Experience in laboratory bench work from the same or similar research field would be a key asset.
• Knowledge of scientific terminology and research methodology.
• Skills Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including effective interpersonal, oral and listening skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good organizational skills are essential to plan experiments efficiently, track progress and provide clear and timely updates to study team members.

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.

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

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].