Kaigala Lab -Research Assistant/Technician 3

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

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This is a 20-month term position, with a possibility of extension. This is a part-time position at 33.33% FTE (12.50 hours per week). Stated salary will be adjusted to FTE.

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/.

The laboratory for Microtechnologies for Quantitative Biomedicine (µQB) at the School of Biomedical Engineering and the Life Science Institute (LSI) at the University of British Columbia develops bioanalytical tools and methods for investigating and analyzing spatial processes that drive biological systems. In addition to LSI, µQB has satellite labs at the Vancouver Prostate Center (VPC) and the Gordon Shrum building, providing direct interaction with end users for translating technologies to molecular medicine and clinical research use.

The lab is seeking a research technician to work on routine tasks associated with molecular profiling of biological materials, associated method implementation and standard analysis.

Organizational Status
The technician will be directly mentored by the PI in the lab, with research associates and post-docs providing direct hands-on training on the lab’s existing methodologies and documentation. Additionally, being embedded at VPC and SBME, the tasks and responsibilities will include working with several group members under the supervision of the supervisors.

Work Performed
The technician will receive an initial orientation that includes introduction to the physical working space, the team members within µQB, with an overview of the key roles and responsibilities. They will be trained in the analytical methods as necessary. They will complete any biological and chemical safety training courses they may need and will be given a site-specific orientation detailing safety procedure pertaining to the site. They will receive training and documented protocols and standard operating procedures on the use of specialized equipment within the lab.

At µQB, the PI and the researchers have created a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment where members are trained and encouraged to opine, rationally build arguments, receive extensive hands-on training. Through these tenets of development, the lab aims to foster thoughtful yet dexterous future academics or masters of industry as per their goals.

• Cell culture and maintenance

• rtPCR execution and gene expression analysis

• Functional biological characterization using immunostaining techniques

• Image analysis pipelines using existing informatic pipelines

• Create reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for analytical techniques

• Maintenance of common tools and technologies used in the lab

• Organize and streamline general lab operations

• Training students on analytical tools
   

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in sample preparation, instrument use, or documentation may impact data quality, require rework, and affect research timelines. Careful adherence to established protocols, safety procedures, and record-keeping practices is essential. Overall works within well defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to supervisor.

Supervision Received
The technician will be directly mentored by the PI in the lab, with research associates and post-docs providing direct hands-on training on the lab’s existing methodologies and documentation. Additionally, being embedded at SBME and VPC, the technician will participate in streamlining operations and SOPs across the labs. The tasks and responsibilities will include working with several group members under the supervision of the supervisors.  

Supervision Given
Train students on analytical tools.

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

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques, sterile technique, 2D and 3D cell culture, and microscopy preferred.

• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation of data.

• Organization skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workday.

• Completion of the UBC biological safety and chemical safety training courses preferred.