Research Assistant/Technician 1

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

Job summary

The University of British Columbia invites applications for a Research Assistant/Technician 1 in the Schultz Laboratory, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine. This part-time, 0.4 FTE position supports the CAR-NK project with a 6-month term and an emphasis on routine lab duties.

Responsibilities include cell culture, CAR-NK generation, flow cytometry, ELISA, and general lab operations. Hours may vary and include early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• High school graduation and at least 1 year of related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cell culture and maintain NK cell cultures.
• Assist CAR-NK cell generation and related assays.
• Prepare samples for ELISA, flow cytometry and cell-based assays.
• Maintain lab inventories and records of experiments.
• Support general laboratory operations and safety compliance.

Skills

High school graduation

Equity and inclusion commitment

Education

Post-secondary education or training asset

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 Schultz Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range $4,359.73 - $4,781.54 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date October 14, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks

Job End Date March 31, 2027 This part-time position (15 hours/week, 0.40 FTE) is for a 6-month term. Note: Only the Full Time Compensation Range is displayed on the job posting details advertised on the UBC Career sites. Salary for this position will be pro-rated at 0.40FTE.

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 provides routine technical and laboratory support for research activities within the Schultz Lab, related to the CAR-NK project. The position assists with cell culture, CAR-NK cell generation, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, and general laboratory operations.

Organizational Status

The position requires a flexible schedule to support time-sensitive laboratory activities. Depending on research and laboratory needs, the employee may occasionally be required to work early mornings, evenings or late hours, weekends, or statutory holidays, as needed, within the total 15-hour-per-week work schedule. The work schedule will be determined by the direct supervisor based on operational and research requirements.

Work Performed

• Performs routine cell culture (primarily involving NK cells), including changing media, passaging cells, and maintaining cell cultures according to established protocols.
• Provides technical support for CAR-NK cell generation by preparing materials and carrying out assigned steps under the direction of senior laboratory staff.
• Prepares samples and materials and carries out assigned steps for ELISA, flow cytometry and cell-based assays according to established instructions.
• Assists with DNA/RNA isolation, human blood sample processing, cryopreservation, and other laboratory assays according to established procedures.
• Prepares media, buffers, reagents, experimental materials, and other supplies required for laboratory procedures and scheduled experiments.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date laboratory inventories, monitors supplies and reagents, and obtains routine supplies from the in-house laboratory store.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of experimental work, samples, cryorepository materials, inventories, and other laboratory activities.
• Conducts routine literature searches and assists with locating, organizing, and maintaining relevant scientific publications.
• Performs routine laboratory maintenance, including cleaning work areas, dishwashing, autoclaving materials as required, proper disposal of biohazardous materials, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Assists with routine quality control activities for laboratory procedures, reagents, and equipment.
• Assists with the preparation of laboratory documents, records, reports, and presentations as directed.
• May assist in explaining routine laboratory procedures to new employees or trainees after appropriate training.
• Performs routine administrative and logistical tasks related to laboratory activities, including receiving and tracking shipments as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

Decision Making/Accountability

Work involves established laboratory techniques and procedures that are readily acquired through training and generally applied in routine situations. The employee is expected to follow protocols carefully, maintain accurate records, and report problems or unexpected results to the supervisor. Work involving human cells and research samples requires particular attention to accuracy and adherence to established procedures.

Supervision Received

Works under direct supervision in accordance with detailed oral or written instructions and established protocols. Routine duties are carried out under general supervision. Reports to the senior lab staff designated as laboratory supervisors, as well as the Principal Investigator, and works closely with laboratory personnel.

Supervision Exercised

None, but may explain routine work sequences or procedures to others after appropriate training.

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

• Post-secondary education or training in biology, biochemistry, medical laboratory science, biotechnology, or a related field is an asset.
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques and cell culture is preferred.
• The successful candidate should have good organizational skills, attention to detail, basic computer skills, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• The candidate should be able to work effectively both independently on routine assigned tasks and as part of a collaborative research team, and be willing to learn new laboratory techniques.

Employment Term and Conditions

The candidate will be appointed for an initial 6 month term (0.4 FTE). Because the position involves handling human cells, human blood samples, and other laboratory materials, the employee must comply with all applicable health, safety, immunization, regulatory, institutional, departmental, and laboratory requirements. Adherence to all applicable policies and procedures is mandatory.

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].

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?