Research Assistant/ Technician 3
University of British Columbia
- Vancouver, BC
- $4,567-5,386 per month
- Permanent
- Full-time
This position’s primary purpose in the lab will be to provide technical research support to research group and HD Biobank. In addition, the successful applicant will assist in the maintenance of the research laboratory and biobank.Organizational StatusThis position reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Michael Hayden, and will receive guidance from the biobank manager. This position will work closely with the post-doctoral fellows, fellow technicians and graduate students in the Hayden Lab. The employee will work in a laboratory affiliated with the University of British Columbia, and subject to the University’s workplace safety rules.Work PerformedThe candidate will have a significant role in the daily operations of the HD biobank, including DNA extraction and other sample processing, PCR assays, database management, and fulfilling sample requests. In addition, the candidate will work with the research team to plan and perform experiments utilizing complex procedures and techniques, troubleshoot problems, collect records, and analyze and interpret experiment results.This will involve:
- Performing molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR assays
- Designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and compiling data in study report preparation
- Assisting senior level staff with the design of experiments and/or development of new techniques
- Designing and writing standard operating procedures for developed methodology
- Troubleshooting procedures and optimizing the application of the procedure to a specific project
- Analyzing results and providing recommendations to supervisor on reasons for variances/problems
- Ensuring proper use and maintenance of equipment, and demonstrating equipment, techniques and procedures to lab personnel
- Managing safe handling and proper disposal of chemicals, biohazardous, and infectious materials in accordance with WCB and WHIMIS
- Assisting with monitoring, tracking, and developing the logistics for handling of clinical samples in close cooperation with the research team
- Assisting with handling of sample requests, and processing/delivery of samples to collaborators
- Assisting in ensuring the privacy of data and samples, and maintaining data security
- Training and guiding the technical stuff in sample handling and storage
- Ensuring samples are collected and processed, labelled, stored and cataloged appropriately
- Retrieving requested samples and preparing sample inventories/data reports as needed
- Developing and maintaining sample databases
- Performing other related duties
This position involves occasional training of trainees and research assistants, and training and supervision of student volunteers.Supervision Received
This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator of the lab and will receive supervision from the Biobank Manager. The candidate would also be expected to report to and accept guidance from senior laboratory members.Supervision GivenThis position involves occasional training of trainees and research assistants, and training and supervision of student volunteers.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 inclusionPreferred Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of molecular biology and general laboratory techniques
- Proven ability to multi-task in a deadline oriented environment with minimal supervision
- Effective oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Excellent organizational skill and ability to learn new skills quickly
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Familiarity with regulatory and governance processes associated with collection, storage, retrieval and analysis of human samples in research
- Capable of maintaining confidentiality
- Proficiency in the use of standard software, as well as software specific to the role (including OpenSpecimen database and Genemapper software) and capable of quickly learning and utilizing additional computer programs as needed