Translational Cardiovascular Research Technician

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Canada is seeking a Translational Cardiovascular Research Technician to coordinate and conduct research related to coronary disease and heart failure. The ideal candidate will have a degree in biotechnology or life sciences, proficiency in cardiovascular research, and excellent organizational and communication skills. This role offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovative research methods.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of related experience.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Plans and performs experiments.
• Coordinates international specimen shipments and data transfers.
• Writes reports and presents research results.

Skills

Proficiency in cardiovascular pathology

Organizational skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work well under pressure

Education

Master or Bachelor degree in biotechnology, life sciences or related discipline

Completion of a relevant technical program

Tools

Hydrodynamic tester

Job description

Overview

Job Category: Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Title: Translational Cardiovascular Research Technician

Department: Sellers | James Hogg Research Centre | Faculty of Medicine

Posting End Date: August 7, 2025

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

Job End Date: August 31, 2026

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

A Research Technician is sought to coordinate and conduct research related to translational coronary disease, heart failure, and structure heart disease research.

The incumbent will work in an innovative, fast-paced and highly motivating environment to understand the fundamental basis, therapeutic targets, and treatment approaches to these disease processes. The incumbent will participate actively in the design and execution of various projects which range from bedside to bench and back using molecular biology, tissue pathology, imaging (basic, translational, and clinical), ex-vivo/in-vitro/in-vivo modeling, and analytical skills.

Organizational Status

The applicant will work with other laboratory technicians, students and postdoctoral fellows as well as the Principal Investigator in the laboratory. They will report directly to Dr. Stephanie Sellers.

Work Performed

• Plans and performs experiments
• Performing specimen imaging including photography, microscopy, computed tomography, and emission tomography
• Works as an intermediary between the Cardiovascular Translational Lab and collaborators to coordinate multi-centre projects
• Coordinates international specimen shipments and data transfers, including assisting with related contracts and ethics
• Performs quality assurance activities
• Performing basic cell culture and cell-based assays
• Handling of patient samples including blood and explanted tissue
• Coordinating shipment of, cataloguing, and tracking patient samples
• Isolation and characterization of cells
• Assists with modeling of new interventional techniques
• Conducts heart valve hydrodynamic and durability testing and helps to develop new techniques and approaches
• Able to troubleshoot, repair and maintain hydrodynamic tester and other complex equipment
• Knowledge of cardiovascular interventions and assessment of cardiac devices
• Collects, records, analyses and interprets experiment results
• Writes reports, presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the writing of grant applications, biosafety certificates and ethical approval applications
• Supervises and trains staff for use of equipment such as the hydrodynamic tester
• Make recommendations with respect to hiring as well as giving feedback to staff/student’s performance
• Assists with the design of experiments and the development of new techniques for the laboratory
• Preparation of buffers and media; ordering reagents and purchasing supplies
• Other duties as related to job

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work requires judgment and initiative. Research from the lab is translated to academic journals as well as industry and clinical partners, and commitment to excellence and innovation are essential.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision; receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems. Overall direction will be provided by Dr. Stephanie Sellers. The applicant will also be assisted with technical matters during lab meetings.

Supervision Given

The applicant will be working with other laboratory members including co-op students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and technicians. The applicant may assist in supervising directed studies/summer students including teaching, experimental planning, and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of 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

Master or Bachelor degree in biotechnology, life sciences or related discipline. Demonstrates proficiency in cardiovascular pathology and interventional cardiology translational research. Well organized, good communication skills and excellent work attitude. Possess strong organizational skills, ability to think logically, understand instructions, and to work well under pressure. Have experience working with a hydrodynamic tester. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.