Research Assistant/Technician 4

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is hiring a Research Assistant/Technician 4 in the Department of Ophthalmology to support ocular and neurodegenerative disease research in the Gupta laboratory. You'll work on metagenomics, tissue/cell cultures, and human-derived materials, using ELISA, ICC/IHC, and western blotting to advance treatments for eye diseases.

The role requires self-motivation, teamwork, and the ability to follow supervision while contributing to experimental goals within a

Qualifications

• University degree or technical program with related lab experience.
• Willingness to work under supervision and collaborate in a team.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Plans and performs experiments using complex procedures; troubleshoots problems.
• Performs cell culture experiments.
• Performs molecular techniques such as PCR, real-time PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, cloning, DNA/RNA work.
• Maintains animals for in vivo experiments and performs injections/surgery.
• Visualizes and analyzes cells with microscopy.
• Manages purchasing, inventory and lab equipment.
• Ensures lab safety rules are followed.

Skills

Laboratory collaboration

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree or technical program

Graduate degree may be required

Tools

PCR

Real-time PCR

Western blotting

ELISA

ICC/IHC

DNA/RNA isolation

Gel electrophoresis

Genotyping

Job description

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryNon Union Technicians and Research AssistantsJob ProfileNon Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4Job TitleResearch Assistant/Technician 4DepartmentDepartment of Ophthalmology | Faculty of Medicine | Provost and VP AcademicCompensation Range$5,377.61 - $6,308.19 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateAugust 27, 2926Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.Job End DateAugust 23, 2028At 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 SummaryThe Research Assistant Tech 4 in the Gupta laboratory will focus on ocular and neuro degenerative diseases, working on projects that may include metagenomics, tissue and cell cultures and human derived materials. Techniques used will range from in vitro and in vivo testing to assays such as ELISA, immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blots. The lab’s research explores diverse approaches to understanding and treating eye diseases, leveraging advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical methods to investigate ocular pathology and potential therapies.The Research Assistant should be self-motivated and should be able to perform tasks with supervision. The individual should be able to work as a collaborative team member to achieve experimental goals.Organizational StatusThe Research Assistant/Technician 4 will report directly to Dr. Neeru Gupta.Work PerformedPlans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; analyses and interprets experiment results; presents research results at laboratory meetings.· Performs cell culture experiments.· Performs molecular techniques such as PCR and real-time PCR, western blotting, immunoblotting, ELISA, cloning, isolation and characterization of DNA and RNA, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, etc.· Maintains animals for in vivo experiments; and performs injections and animal surgery.· Visualizes and analyzes cells using regular microscopy and confocal microscopy.· Assists with purchasing supplies and minor equipment, inventory of lab supplies and maintaining lab equipment for research projects.· Ensures established laboratory safety rules and procedures are followed.· Carries out any other necessary experiments and related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.Consequence of Error/JudgementTasks are assigned by the Principal Investigator. Research Assistant (RA) is responsible for organizing, and scheduling of the tasks. RA is responsible for all tasks to be completed on time and making sure all research procedures and data collection activities are running smoothly. Consequences of errors made may include compromised integrity of research and success of research projectSupervision ReceivedWorks under general supervision from Dr. Gupta. While instruction is given on assignment of duties, work is expected to be conducted independently, with new or unusual problems reported to the principal investigators.Supervision GivenThis position may oversee the work of undergraduate student volunteers, work-learn students and lower classifications technicians.Minimum QualificationsCompletion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.- 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 inclusionPreferred QualificationsCompletion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experienceAbout UsThe 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].