Research Assistant/Technician 3

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

Job summary

The University of British Columbia (UBC) SBME seeks a Research Assistant/Technician 3 to design, run, and maintain next generation sequencing pipelines. The role reports to the Building Manager and collaborates with faculty, staff, and students in the SBME facilities at Vancouver campuses.

Responsibilities include operating NGS instrumentation, developing SOPs, ensuring high accuracy, and supporting ongoing sequencing projects within the BRC and Gordon B Shrum facilities.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Responsibilities

• Designs, modifies and performs experiments related to next generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines.
• Troubleshoots potential instrument failures involving liquid handling instruments, Illumina NGS instruments and single cell platforms (10X Genomics Chromium).
• Operates and maintains NGS equipment, loading samples and reagents.
• Contributes to the development of operating procedures and workflow improvements.
• Oversees project progress and participates in research activities.
• Carries out other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements

Skills

Technical program or degree

Education

Relevant degree in discipline

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/Technician 3 Department Facilities Support Sequencing | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,845.17 - $5,713.66 CAD Monthly Posting End Date October 1, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date September 20, 2027 This position will be filled internally. It is posted for informational purposes only.

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 School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine, established in 2017. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. Its vision is to transform health and healthcare for all, achieved through innovative research and education at the convergence of engineering, medicine and biology. Through collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches and building on UBC’s academic and research excellence, the School of Biomedical Engineering aspires to be a global leader in biomedical engineering research, education and translation. The SBME has two locations on Vancouver’s campus, the Gordon B Shrum building and the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). For more information about the School of Biomedical Engineering, please visit https://www.bme.ubc.ca/.

Organizational Status

The Research Technician reports directly to the Building Manager and works collaboratively with other technicians, faculty, students and staff in the building. Work Performed Designs, modifies and performs experiments related to next generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines. Troubleshoots potential instrument failures involving liquid handling instruments, Illumina NGS instruments and single cell platforms (10X Genomics Chromium). Operates and maintains NGS equipment, which involves loading of samples and reagents. Contributes to the development of operating procedures and makes recommendation on workflow improvements. Oversees the progress of projects and participates in research activities. Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work is expected to be at a high level of accuracy with excellent attention to detail. Errors in judgement could affect and delay operations of the BRC, the School, individual faculty members, students and other stakeholders and overall impact their reputation. Exercises a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the unit.

Supervision Received

Works under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

Supervision Given

May have supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees at lower classifications and may have input into staff selection and performance evaluation.

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

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?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community f...