Research Assistant/Tech 3 - Sorensen

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Research Assistant/Tech 3 - Sorensen

Department

Sorensen Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$3,982.67 - $4,703.83 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

July 4, 2023

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

Job End Date

Jul 4, 2024

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this positions requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 4, 2023. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension.

In your application please include (1) a cover letter, and (2) a CV or resume.

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 basic and translational research performed in the Sorensen laboratory seeks to improve basic knowledge and treatment options in Ewing sarcoma and other high-risk pediatric cancers. This position will mainly work on the characterization of pathways facilitating adaptation of pediatric cancer cells to stress and promoting metastasis.

The Research Assistant (RA) will be responsible, under supervision, for laboratory work including biochemical, molecular, and cell-based analyses, and in vivo mouse procedures.

Organizational Status

The Sorensen Lab is located at the BC Cancer Research Centre. The RA reports directly to the Primary Investigator and different study leads within the research group. The position requires to use a high degree of initiative, tact and professional judgement in carrying out responsibilities related to the research. The incumbent will also be required to report to the primary investigator and study leads in a clear and timely manner.

Work Performed

Laboratory Research Duties:

• The incumbent will be responsible for laboratory duties which include, but not limited to, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, PCR and RT-PCR, plasmid preparation, bacterial culture, general buffer preparation, and mammalian/cancer cell culture, mammalian transfection/lentiviral transduction, immunofluorescent staining, microscopy, and cellular/molecular biology (cell proliferation, death, cytotoxicity, etc.), preparing samples for proteomics (e.g. mass spectrometry). Training for additional research techniques will be provided as needed.
• In addition to general laboratory duties, the incumbent will divide their bench time among several concurrent projects, thus efficient time management of bench work to various projects will be an asset.

Animal Research Duties:

• The incumbent will also perform ancillary laboratory techniques such as media/drug preparation, cell culture, instrument sterilizations, polymerase chain reaction analysis (for genotyping), and receiving and processing laboratory animal care supplies.
• Maintains daily care of laboratory mice including, primary tumour caliper measurements, and logging changes in animal health and general health conditions. The incumbent will also keep an up-to-date record of mice and mouse cages using Mosaic software.
• Performs mouse surgeries and techniques including blood collection, tumour implantation, injection of tumor cells (subcutaneous and tail-vein injections), saline/vehicle solutions, and investigational anti-cancer drugs. The incumbent will be also responsible for small animal bioluminescence (IVIS) imaging of mouse tumours, and other organs, as well as harvesting of mouse tissues.
• Maintains current knowledge of, and ensures compliance with, animal care regulations. As part of this, the incumbent will acquire animal research center handling and certification of techniques and procedures as it relates to required mouse work.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

When dealing with laboratory chemicals, the incumbent will exercise judgement based on the Biosafety and Laboratory Safety provided by online training modules. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment at all times and if in doubt seek advice from those that she/he may report to.

Supervision Received

The Research Assistant will work mostly independently from day to day. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Principal Investigator with additional guidance provided by the study leads, and will be expected to report his/her results to them regularly.

Supervision Given

The Research Assistant is not required to directly supervise anyone. She/he may be required to allow a student or new staff member to shadow them, or serve as a resource for undergraduate students.

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

• Undergraduate degree in a Medical/Health Science discipline preferred.
• Attention to details.
• Knowledge of scientific terminology and familiarity with research study protocols, ethics approval processes, and previous experience with mouse models and proteomics techniques are also an asset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience in laboratory bench work from the same or similar research field would be a key asset.
• Good organizational skills are essential to plan experiments efficiently, track progress and provide clear and timely updates to study team members.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including effective inter-personal, oral and listening skills.