Research Assistant​/Technician

Position: Research Assistant/Technician 2
Job Summary
The Research Technician will assist experiments and daily operations of a research laboratory. Emphasis for this position is to assist the research group in projects involving molecular, cellular and animal experiments. The individual will be joining a dedicated and highly motivated team of bioengineers, molecular biologists and immunologists. The work and environment are interdisciplinary, with the research focused on development of clinically translational RNA vaccines and therapies.

Organizational Status
The Research Technician will assist the Principal Investigator and lab members with experiments and day-to-day lab activities. The individual will interact closely with members of the research group including graduate and undergraduate students; UBC and department staff and administrators; and collaborators. The lab technician position is fundamental to the ongoing success of the lab.

Work Performed
- Assists in cloning of new plasmids and synthesizes RNA

- Formulates RNA into nanoparticles using standardized protocols

- Characterizes formulations using standardized protocols

- Conducts standard molecular and cell biology experiments on mammalian cells

- Assists vaccine studies and imaging of protein expression

- Assists with development of novel techniques and methodologies to achieve research goals

- Assists lab members in troubleshooting experiments

- Assists with analyses and compiles data in report preparation, presents results, and participates in the preparation of scientific manuscripts

- Assists with maintenance of equipment in the laboratory

- Organizes laboratory and stock, maintains inventory and distributes supplies

- Identifies and proposes strategies and procedures to ensure the safe operation of research laboratories. Ensures compliance with safety regulations in the lab

- Maintains a clean and fully functional lab environment

- Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises a considerable amount of judgement, responsibility, and initiative related to the functioning of the lab. Incorrect decisions could hinder research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in the repetition of experiments and cause delays in conducting research. The Research Technician will be responsible for errors in their work, for reporting problems and mistakes in a timely way, and for correcting those errors.

Supervision Received
Reports directly to the Principal Investigator to ensure priorities are addressed.

Supervision Given
None

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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

Relevant undergraduate degree, and preferably a MASc or MSc, in the field of bioengineering, immunology, molecular biology or related fields in the life sciences. Demonstrated experience working in laboratory setting is required. Computer experience with Graph Pad Prism, Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and figure design in Bio Render is an asset.

Skills

- Must be detail oriented, organized and responsible with a positive attitude

- Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

- Ability to work with the Principal Investigator and research lab members to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data

- Demonstrate initiative in determining work priorities and meet deadlines

- Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, experimental, multi-tasking, and organizational skills are required

- Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs

- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships