Research Assistant/Technician 3

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

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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 position provides technical support in the areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and histology for various projects within the Wang laboratory’s ovarian and rare cancer research programs. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in cell and molecular biology, with experience in cell culture and immunohistology techniques. Recent hands-on experience with primary tissue culture and viral-based experimental work will be considered an asset.

Working under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Yemin Wang, the successful applicant will contribute to basic and translational research aimed at improving the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecologic and rare cancers. This position offers exposure to advanced molecular and pathology-based technologies, as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively with a team of multidisciplinary researchers within the OVCARE and sarcoma research programs

Organizational Status

The Wang lab is located at the Jack Bell Research Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Research Assistant reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Yemin Wang. In addition, this position may assist in overseeing technical work of students and trainees.

Work Performed

• Maintains established 2D cell line and 3D organoid cell cultures, and generates 2D cell line and 3D organoid cultures from primary tissue using aseptic techniques
• Plans, performs and troubleshoots general cellular and molecular biology experiments, including western blotting, PCR, nucleic acid extraction and cloning
• Plans and performs drug assays
• Plans and performs viral-related work including production, isolation and infection
• Plans and performs cell culture-based drug or genetic screens
• Maintains and operates shared infrastructure equipment and providing training supports to new personnel
• Assists in developing and implementing standard operating protocols (SOPs)
• Maintains laboratory records and experimental data; when required summarize results in research reports and lab presentations
• Assists in lab general maintenance, reagent preparation, receiving and inventory of lab supplies
• Carries out any other related duties as assigned or required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of this level of technician.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The work is of a complex nature and required high level of training, tasks are assigned and the incumbent exercises a considerable amount of responsibility, initiative and judgment in determining own work schedule to achieve those tasks. Errors may result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable tissue samples, loss of thousands of dollars of material and/or damage to equipment. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly. Noncompliance with biosafety and chemical safety regulations may also result in closure of facility or loss of grant funding.

Supervision Received

The successful applicant will work under general/minimum supervision. From time to time, the Principal Investigator may provide specific instructions on unusual problems, or new project outlines. This position will report to the Principal Investigator or their designate.

Supervision Given

Depending on experience and expertise, the successful applicant maybe be required to assist in training and supervision of graduate students/trainees, including providing instruction on use of lab equipment and procedures, and will help troubleshoot experiments in their area of expertise.

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

• A working knowledge and understanding of 2D and 3D cell culture, primary tissue culture, cell biology, drug sensitivity, and molecular biology techniques, e.g., cloning, western blotting, immunofluorescence and PCR
• Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular and cell biology techniques
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills (orally and written) and the ability to interact positively and productively with other team members are essential
• Excellent documentation and organization skills
• The successful candidate must be well-organized, conscientious, understand the importance of detail, and be able to multi-task and prioritize duties effectively