City : Vancouver

Category : Full time

Industry : Educational Services

Employer : University of British Columbia

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 3

Department

Research | Hancock | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

January 29, 2026

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

Job End Date

February 11, 2027

 

 

 

 

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
Under supervision from the Principal Investigator, the incumbent will perform and analyze PCR and RT-PCR experiments, test different PCR instruments, design PCR primers and analyze data and prepare reports.  The Research Assistant will use molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, RT PCR and DNA gels.  Will be partially responsible for the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including lab management and financial duties, monitoring grant expenses in workday, ordering supplies and equipment, and maintaining databases of laboratory supplies and equipment. Will be partly responsible for the cleanliness of the lab, and the preparation and upkeep of general use laboratory reagents.  This position requires some technical skills and scientific knowledge.

Organizational Status
The individual will report directly to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Hancock) weekly, or to the Lab Manager.  May work with other technicians or Research Associates.  Will initially work under close supervision but is expected to work with minimal supervision once proficiency in the duties assigned has been established.

Work Performed

• Works with Principal Investigator and senior staff to design experiments

• Plans and performs experiments; troubleshoots problems when they arise

• Collects and records experimental data; analyses, interprets and reports on results

• Presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the writing of manuscripts.

• Lab management: works with PI to oversee financial status of grants, track monthly expenses, prepare Purchase requisitions, submit invoices for payment, reconcile credit card purchase transactions in Workday.

• Ordering equipment, reagents and supplies: Placing phone, online, and/or written orders for lab supplies either directly to the companies or through UBC purchasing; keep records of ordering; keeping track of supply inventory; unpacking lab supplies and putting them in proper places.

• Record keeping: Using computer to maintain and update records of lab supplies, ordering, and expenditures. Help to maintain chemical and strain inventories.

• Lab maintenance and organization: Responsible for the care and maintenance of lab equipment including arranging service contracts and communicating with in house repair staff; ensuring that the lab is kept organized and clean; maintains cleaning and meeting schedules. Ensure that basic safety standards are upheld in the lab.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors and incorrect decisions made in this position could jeopardize the experiments performed, compromise data quality and/or delay project completion.

Supervision Received
Initially, detailed instructions (i.e., established protocols and/or direct contact with the Principal Investigator, Research Associates or other Research Technicians) will be provided for all experiments and tasks.  General supervision will then be given, with direct supervision for new experiments or where problems arise.  Once familiar with the techniques, there will be minimal daily supervision unless needed or requested. 

Supervision Given

While the research assistant is not expected to provide direct supervision to others, s/he may be asked to provide guidance and training to new undergraduate and graduate students in proper laboratory procedures, techniques and use of equipment.

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

• B.Sc. in Microbiology or Biology preferred, with at least 3 years of experience, or M.Sc. in Microbiology (or related field).

• Experience with PCR and RT-PCR techniques, molecular biology techniques

• DNA & RNA extraction and purification, and PCR

• Processing and handling blood and/or tissue specimens

• Experience working with pathogenic bacteria Risk Group 2.

• Current UBC certification with Biosafety and Chemical Safety is an asset.

• General microbiology techniques.

• Must be able to follow and carry out instructions from Principal Investigator.

• Must be able work both independently and as part of a team

• Effective oral and written communication in scientific English

• Interest and enthusiasm for scientific research. 

• Excellent record keeping and documentation skills.