Position start date: September 1, 2024
Posting End Date: August 2, 2024
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Research Technician 3
BUSINESS TITLE: Research Technician
EMPLOYMENT GROUP: Technician & Research Assistant
JOB FAMILY: Non-Union Research/Technician
JOB CODE: Research Asst/Tech 3
SUPORG: Research | Marra | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science
Job Summary
The Research Technician’s primary responsibilities are to support the research activities of the Marra lab. The Research Assistant/Technician will perform highly skilled tasks such as the generation of single cell sequencing datasets, maintenance of cultured cells and organoids and other cellular and molecular biology techniques, as required.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Principal Investigator and is supervised by senior researchers in the lab. Communicates
regularly with an interdisciplinary team of scientists. The individual will interact closely with members of
the research group including research associates, post-doctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate
students, as well as departmental staff and administrators.
Work Performed
- Plans and conducts experiments as part of the lab’s various research projects, either independently or in collaboration with other lab members.
- Performs single cell library preparation for next generation sequencing.
- Performs mammalian cell and tissue culture for the maintenance of cell lines and organoids.
- Conducts standard molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR and qPCR, western blotting, immunostaining, FACs, cloning, isolation/extraction and characterization of DNA and RNA, gel electrophoresis, etc.
- Visualizes cells using regular microscopy and confocal microscopy.
- Troubleshoots the results and procedures of experiments and revises experimental plans.
- Provides training to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as new technicians in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.
- Develops operational protocols and standing operation procedures (SOPs) and performs set up,
operation and basic maintenance of the related equipment.
- Performs quality control (QC) of all analytical methods to ensure consistency of data and documentation of the QCs.
- Maintains sample inventories in liquid nitrogen tanks, -80°C and -20°C freezers and 4°C fridges.
- Maintains and updates chemical inventories and appropriate chemical storage.
- Prepares and/or maintains media, buffer, reagents, solutions, cultures and related material for routine laboratory use.
- Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Attention to detail and exercising judgment are essential. The Research Technician will be responsible for reporting errors or problems in their work in a timely manner, and participates in a resolution to correct those errors. Improperly conducted procedures may warrant the repetition of experiments affecting the timeline of the research project and wasting of resources.
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision of senior researchers and carries out day-to-day tasks in collaboration with other Technicians, Students, Post-doctoral Fellows and Research Associates in the lab. Receives guidance from the Principal Investigator and Research Associates to ensure priorities are met. Will receive instructions on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established procedures.
Supervision Given
This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The Research Technician will work as part of a team and may train and advise students on various techniques.
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.
Prior experience working in a laboratory environment is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the field of biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related area of study. Demonstrated experience in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microscopy, and/or biochemistry. Computer experience with the following programs is preferred: MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and GraphPad Prism.
Skills
- Experience in genomics techniques such as the generation of whole genome transcriptome sequencing (WGTS) and single cell library preparation.
- Experience in mammalian cell and tissue culture.
- Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques.
- Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to identify problems and contribute to solutions.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Effective interpersonal, multi-tasking, time-management and organizational skills.
- Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs, growth/learning mindset.
- Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
Link for External applicants: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcstaffjobs/details/Research-Technician_JR17925
Link for Internal applicants: https://wd10.myworkday.com/ubc/d/inst/15$392530/9925$42276.htmld
