Research Assistant/Technician 3

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

Job summary

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver is seeking a Research Assistant/Technician 3 to provide technical support in cell biology, molecular biology, and histology for ovarian and rare cancer projects. Under supervision of Dr.

Yemin Wang, you will perform cell culture, immunohistology, and molecular assays to advance translational research. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with primary tissue culture and viral work, strong documentation skills, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree and a minimum three years of related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Maintains 2D and 3D cell cultures and generates cultures from primary tissue using aseptic techniques.
• Pans, performs, and troubleshoots cellular and molecular biology experiments including western blotting and PCR.
• Plans and conducts drug assays and viral-related work with appropriate safety practices.
• Maintains and operates shared lab infrastructure and mentors students/trainees as needed.
• Documents experiments, summarizes results, and assists in SOP development.

Skills

Cell culture

Immunohistology

Molecular biology

3D cell culture

2D cell culture

Documentation

Education

Technical program or university degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Western blotting

PCR

Immunofluorescence

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 Wang Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,845.17 - $5,713.66 CAD Monthly Posting End Date September 23, 2026 Job End Date September 30, 2027 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 provides technical support in the areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and histology for various projects within the Wang laboratory’s ovarian and rare cancer research programs. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in cell and molecular biology, with experience in cell culture and immunohistology techniques. Recent hands‑on experience with primary tissue culture and viral‑based experimental work will be considered an asset. Working under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Yemin Wang, the successful applicant will contribute to basic and translational research aimed at improving the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecologic and rare cancers. This position offers exposure to advanced molecular and pathology‑based technologies, as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively with a team of multidisciplinary researchers within the OVCARE and sarcoma research programs.

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

• A working knowledge and understanding of 2D and 3D cell culture, primary tissue culture, cell biology, drug sensitivity, and molecular biology techniques, e.g., cloning, western blotting, immunofluorescence and PCR.
• Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular and cell biology techniques.
• 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 organization skills.
• The successful candidate must be well‑organized, conscientious, understand the importance of detail, and be able to multi‑task and prioritize duties effectively.

Organizational Status

The Wang lab is located at the Jack Bell Research Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Research Assistant reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Yemin Wang. In addition, this position may assist in overseeing technical work of students and trainees.

Work Performed

• Maintains established 2D cell line and 3D organoid cell cultures, and generates 2D cell line and 3D organoid cultures from primary tissue using aseptic techniques.
• Plans, performs and troubleshoots general cellular and molecular biology experiments, including western blotting, PCR, nucleic acid extraction and cloning.
• Plans and performs drug assays.
• Plans and performs viral‑related work including production, isolation and infection.
• Plans and performs cell culture‑based drug or genetic screens.
• Maintains and operates shared infrastructure equipment and providing training supports to new personnel.
• Assists in developing and implementing standard operating protocols (SOPs).
• Maintains laboratory records and experimental data; when required summarize results in research reports and lab presentations.
• Assists in lab general maintenance, reagent preparation, receiving and inventory of lab supplies.
• Carries out any other related duties as assigned or required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of this level of technician.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The work is of a complex nature and required high level of training, tasks are assigned and the incumbent exercises a considerable amount of responsibility, initiative and judgment in determining own work schedule to achieve those tasks. 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 damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly. Noncompliance with biosafety and chemical safety regulations may also result in closure of facility or loss of grant funding.

Supervision Received

The successful applicant will work under general/minimum supervision. From time to time, the Principal Investigator may provide specific instructions on unusual problems, or new project outlines. This position will report to the Principal Investigator or their designate.

Supervision Given

Depending on experience and expertise, the successful applicant may be required to assist in training and supervision of graduate students/trainees, including providing instruction on use of lab equipment and procedures, and will help troubleshoot experiments in their area of expertise.

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 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].