Research Assistant​/Technician

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

Job End Date

This is a 6-month position with the possibility of extension.

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 Description Summary

The Dr. Tim Kieffer Laboratory, in the Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia, will be looking to hire a Research Assistant/Technician 3 to join the team.

To assist in research activities for studying cell-based therapy for diabetes in rodents (primarily mice).

Duties include:

performing animal surgeries (cell transplants and graftectomies), post-operative monitoring and care; performing glucose homeostasis testing (e.g. glucose tolerance tests), assisting with necropsy and tissue excision; preparing tissue for histological analysis; performing data collection (e.g. body weight and blood glucose levels); collecting blood samples for hormone measurements. All work must be performed according to standard operating procedures in compliance with UBC and CCAC regulations.

Organizational Status

Reports to Lab Head. Performs research tasks for several lab members and industry collaborators who will provide specific instructions.

Work Performed

• Perform animal care duties, (including receiving animals when they are delivered to the building, feeding, cleaning cages (if needed), enriching their environments)
• Perform animal surgery and post-operative care (including surgical prep such as instrument preparation, surgery, injections, monitoring post-surgical health)
• Conduct regular health monitoring rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; writes and follow up health reports; isolates infected or ill animals and reports to veterinarian.
• Perform necropsy procedures; (including instrument preparation, assisting with collection and fixation of tissues, gross examination of grafts, labeling of specimens/containers, collection and preparation of blood samples)
• Collect, compile, maintain, and distribute research-related data and records accurately and efficiently.
• Work safely following all safety policies, SOPs and guidelines under UBC Safety and Risk Services
• Performs other related duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position is not required to make major decisions, but poor choices when prioritizing tasks and/or carelessness during the performance of research duties to could reduce the quality of research conducted in the lab and jeopardize the lab s ability to secure future funding by competing for research grants.

Supervision Received

The Technician will work independently from day to day. Depending on specific research task assigned, work may be checked daily, weekly or infrequently by the Principal Investigator or by senior Research Associates on behalf of the Lab PI.

Supervision Given

Although the Technician does not actually supervise any other staff on a regular basis, he/she may act as a resource for other lab members or collaborators.

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

• Related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in animal handling and research required.
• Successful completion of UBC Chemical and Biohazard Safety Courses and Animal husbandry courses an asset.
• Ability to perform research-related procedures (e.g., cell transplants, assessments of glucose homeostasis, blood collections, tissue dissecting).
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.