Research Assistant /Technician 2

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

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Research Assistant/Technician to join their innovative Mosquito Lab. This role involves rearing insect strains, managing lab operations, and supporting research activities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, showcasing their ability to organize data and communicate effectively. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research while working alongside a passionate team. If you are eager to make a difference in the scientific community, this role is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of related experience or equivalent education.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential.

Responsibilities

• Rears and validates insect strains independently.
• Coordinates lab organization and oversees equipment orders.
• Assists PI with financial reports and data management.

Skills

Laboratory Techniques

Data Organization

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Graduation

BSc in Biology, Entomology, or Genetics

MSc in Biology, Entomology, or Genetics

Tools

Spreadsheets

Lab Equipment

Website Management Tools

Job description

Staff - Union

Job Category: CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title: Research Assistant/Technician 2 Department: Research | B. Matthews | Department of Zoology | Faculty of Science Compensation Range: $4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date: April 4, 2025

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

Job End Date: Aug 31, 2026

This is a term position for May 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026 with possibility of extension pending grant funding availability.

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:
This position is for a grant-funded research assistant and insectary manager in the UBC Mosquito Lab who will be primarily responsible for routine rearing of insect strains, data organization and analysis, and general lab organization and coordination. The Mosquito Lab is a community that strives to conduct rigorous, important, collaborative, and open science in an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and supportive. We seek to help each member of the laboratory to achieve their goals both in the context of science and beyond. We are firm believers that a diverse community is a better community, and welcome anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, cultural or economic background, and ability status. We strive not just for diversity within the lab but inclusion as well and are committed to providing active support to everyone as they navigate their place within the lab, the Zoology department, UBC, and broader scientific communities.

Organizational Status:
Reports directly to the PI on all matters.

Work Performed:

1. Works independently with oversight from the PI to rear, propagate, and validate irreplaceable insect strains.
2. Oversees lab organization and orders lab equipment and supplies.
3. Summarizes and reports laboratory work and problems to supervisor.
4. Onboards new students and staff and ensures that safety rules and regulations are followed.
5. Coordinates the interviewing and onboarding of undergraduate research assistants, including training on routine techniques and coordinating their placement with graduate students and PDFs.
6. Identifies and resolves minor technical problems, interfacing with vendors as needed.
7. Assists the PI with preparation of reimbursement and financial reports; enters data into spreadsheets and collates required documents.
8. Assists in obtaining research permits and preparation of logistics for fieldwork.
9. Maintains and updates the lab's website and databases.
10. Assists in experiments alongside students, postdoctoral fellows, and other staff as time allows.

Consequence of Error/Judgement:
Consequence of error includes the loss of irreplaceable insect strains and valuable scientific reagents. The successful applicant will be expected to exercise initiative and judgment in problem solving, establishing priorities, and scheduling own work in regular consultation with the PI. Major problems are referred to PI, whereas minor problems are solved by the technician, keeping the PI informed.

Supervision Received:
It is expected that this Research Assistant can work independently on tasks assigned by the PI in regular consultation with the PI.

Supervision Given:
May be asked to supervise undergraduate students performing routine laboratory tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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:
BSc or MSc in the fields of biology, entomology, or genetics preferred. Previous work experience working with insects preferred. Ability to read and comprehend technical material, conduct literature searches, and collect and organize experimental data required. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. If you think you might be a good fit for the job but have any questions about qualifications, please apply!