Research Technician/Assistant 4 Jobs

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4

Job Title

Research Technician/Assistant 4

Department

Yachie Laboratory | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,558.75 - $5,354.67 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

August 29, 2023

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

Job End Date

Sept 17, 2024

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

This Research Technician position is expected to perform genome engineering of human pluripotent stem cells, mouse embryonic stem cells, and mice, single-cell transcriptome analyses of human, mouse, and C. elegans datasets, and associated data analyses at Dr. Nozomu Yachie’s laboratory.

The Research Technician must have well-grounded knowledge in genetics, developmental biology, single-cell transcriptome analysis, and skills in performing mouse engineering and embryonic stem cell experiments, DNA cloning, cell culture, and computational data analysis. Programming skill in Python and R is required. The person will also be responsible for the comprehensive training of up to two laboratory members in genetic engineering of mouse models (i.e., rearing and experimental surgery on mice and manipulating embryos for genome editing) and tasks associated with maintenance of the supply store, ordering of consumables and small equipment, tracking of purchases and assisting with standard research services.

The School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine in 2017. The School is currently responsible for 350+ undergraduate students, 140+ graduate students and 30+ faculty. Over time, the School will be responsible for as many as 400+ undergraduate students, 200+ graduate students and 40+ faculty. In addition, SBME is embarking on the planning and construction of an ambitious building on campus, which will act as a hub for biomedical engineering activities at UBC and beyond. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation, aspiring to be a global leader in this field. Its vision is to transform healthcare outcomes through unconstrained exploration of the best possible integrative solutions across engineering, medicine, and biology.

Organizational Status

The Research Technician reports directly to the Building Manager and works collaboratively with other technicians, faculty, students, and staff.

Work Performed

• Introduction of genome engineering reagents to mouse embryos by microinjection and electroporation
• Cell culture and passage of mammalian cells
• Cryopreservation and recovery of one-cell stage embryos
• In vitro differentiation of mammalian stem cells
• Injection of stem cells into mouse embryos and aggregation of mouse stem cells
• Transplantation of mouse embryos to oviducts and uteri
• Rearing and basic handling of mice
• Flow cytometry cell sorting
• Construction of plasmid DNA
• Lentiviral transduction and transfection of mammalian cells for genetic engineering
• In vitro fertilization of mouse embryos
• Training up to two laboratory members in genetic engineering of mouse models for the items listed above.
• Coding scripts in Python and R for sequencing data analysis
• Communication with the supply stores, ordering consumables and small equipment, tracking purchases, and assisting with standard research services.
• Establishment of mouse stem cells
• Genome editing and base editing experiments using CRISPR
• Operation of massively parallel short-read DNA sequencers and single-cell analysis instruments

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work is expected to be at a high level of accuracy with excellent attention to detail. Errors in judgment could affect and delay the operations of the School, individual faculty members, students, and other stakeholders and overall impact their reputation. This position requires a daily exercise of a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods and coordinating the work of the unit.

Supervision Received

Works under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or matters that depart significantly from established policy and procedure. The Research Technician is responsible for reporting work progress weekly and communicating with the supervisor for the strategic research directions and any potential changes in an identified project.

Supervision Given

May have supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees at lower classifications and may have input into staff selection and performance evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

• 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

• Skills in performing mouse engineering and embryonic stem cell experiments, DNA cloning, cell culture, and computational data analysis.
• Required to have thorough knowledge in genetics, developmental biology, and single-cell transcriptome analysis.
• Ability to gather, record, and organize information.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Programming skill in Python and R is required.
• Ability to supervise a team of research assistants.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively use SPSS, word processing, spreadsheet, internet, and electronic mail applications.
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.