Research and Development Senior Assistant

Job Summary
The UBC CDC, located at the BCCDC, is hiring a Research and Development Senior Assistant to support the various ongoing research programs and projects associated with the Viral Immune Responses Lab. Working with a team of senior scientists, project collaborators, research technicians, routine laboratory technologists, and students, the Research and Development Senior Assistant manages a wide scope of operational needs. These operational requirements include, but are not limited to, procurement of laboratory materials, training of research staff, validation of new methods and procedures, and managing laboratory finances, with the help of project leaders.

The Research and Development Senior Assistant must be exceptionally detail-orientated and organized, self-directed, capable of prioritizing time-sensitive duties, capable of executing validation experiments, and able to effectively communicate and facilitate communication with a multi-disciplinary team.

This position is grant-funded with a possibility of extension.

Organizational Status
The Research and Development Senior Assistant will report directly to the study Principal Investigators, Project Leaders and Senior Scientists overseeing the various research programs and grant-funded projects. They will work collaboratively with the routine Viral Immune Responses laboratory staff, as required, and other research team members, including research assistants, students, and other research personnel.

Work Performed

• Under the guidance of project leaders and senior scientists, develops and implements research plans, including schedules, timelines, and budgets for multiple projects.

• Validates new research methods and procedures, and evaluates data pertaining to the implementation of new procedures for various molecular and serological methods (qPCR, amplicon based sequencing).

• Participates in the development of research methodology, including providing input into data collection and analysis.

• Prepares, edits & proofs research reports.

• Presents results to project leaders, senior scientists, and other stakeholders.

• Liaises with a diverse set of collaborators regarding project planning and execution.

• Assists with onboarding and mentorship of new junior staff.

• Trains research staff and students on laboratory protocols and contributes to regular performance evaluations.

• Manages laboratory finances in collaboration with the senior scientists and project leaders.

• Attends meetings to help define the scope of new and ongoing research projects.

• Performs related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research and Development Senior Assistant is required to conduct all activities in an ethical manner. Any procedures or data recorded as part of this research must be accurate and must accurately reflect the work performed. Strict confidentiality of all project participants is critical. Errors made could influence the ability of researchers to interpret data correctly, delay the timely completion of work, and thus compromise the results of research projects.

This would impact the credibility of the PI and other team members.

Supervision Received
Most aspects of work will be assigned and then carried out independently, with feedback from project Principal Investigators, Senior Scientists, and Research Associates.

Supervision Given
The Research and Development Senior Assistant will supervise research assistants and students.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of 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

• Masters degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology preferred (or an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology with prior experience leading research studies)

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills

• The ability to work with a diverse group of collaborators in a calm, respectful, and effective manner

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others within a team environment and independently

• Demonstrated ability to show initiative and self-directed work habits

• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize work assignments and establish priorities

• Excellent time management and organizational skills

• Able to identify and relate to concerns of others and to exercise good judgement when resolving difficulties.

• Excellent ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

• Computer literacy and proficiency (minimum with Microsoft Office and Graph Pad Prism. R or Python desired)