Animal Veterinary Research Technician

Animal Veterinary Research Technician

The University of British Columbia

Job Category: Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Department: LSI EMF Facility

Posting End Date: January 8, 2026

Job End Date: February 1, 2027

The Experimental Modeling Facility (EMF) is a new initiative within the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) to provide specialized mouse modeling services to a variety of research groups with distinct aims and goals. The EMF Research Assistant will play a critical role in performing experimental procedures and animal care duties within the Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM) and the Modified Barrier Facility (MBF).

The position requires strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures to prevent accidental introduction of disease or confounding research variables. The EMF Research Assistant will be expected to work independently with supervisory support available. Orientation and training will be provided on the job.

• Provide consistent, high quality, compassionate care to all mice in the EMF.
• Maintain professional and positive relationships with animal care staff, veterinarians, and researchers.
• Responsible for basic husbandry (handling, restraint, health, behavior and welfare surveillance) of laboratory mice in accordance with CCAC guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to: mouse handling; inventories and record keeping for each mouse; assisting with breeding colony maintenance (setting up breeding pairs, feeding, weaning, and keeping records of activity/health); performing rounds to observe and check the physical health and well‑being of laboratory mice;
  
  preparing health reports; isolating infected or ill mice and reporting to veterinarians; general housekeeping and maintenance of facility equipment.
• For some projects, perform daily and/or after‑hours care (evenings and weekends) for post‑operative and experimental animals requiring additional monitoring or supportive care.
• Following proper training and supervision, perform experimental procedures with high proficiency, including precision‑based injections, minor surgery, and blood and tissue/organ sampling.
• Maintain and manage several immunocompromised mouse colonies in CDM and MBF with strict adherence to SOPs to ensure colony health. Proven knowledge in aseptic and sterile technique is a must.
• Maintain clear records about tasks completed for each project and maintain project‑specific supply inventories.
• Plan, order, and prepare all supplies required for experimental procedures.
• Participate in meetings related to technical, scientific, and organizational aspects of the projects.
• Meet regularly with lab members, facility supervisors, and the manager to update on the status of projects, needs, and future plans.
• Write and update SOPs as needed, for final approval by the EMF manager.
• Train staff, lab members, and students on immunocompromised mouse handling techniques, supportive care, and experimental procedures.
• Provide feedback for improvements and design changes for projects and procedures being developed.
• Troubleshoot experiments with the manager and scientific director, and repeat experiments as needed.
• Write, amend, and renew experimental protocols for ACS review.
• Package, label, and process biological and hazardous materials out of the CDM and MBF.
• Responsible for the maintenance and organization of equipment, reagents, and supplies for experimental procedures involving immunocompromised mice.
• Follow all safety standards, standard operating procedures, and policies.
• Communicate with laboratory mouse vendors and mouse modeling communities to learn and request information on the procedures/problems, and help develop new procedures as needed.
• Treat confidentially all information related to research projects, personnel, and locations, and agree not to disclose any such information to any person except as may be necessary in the proper discharge of work obligations.

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three‑year related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to…