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

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 in the Todesco lab will work on plant genomics projects and contribute to the daily operations and maintenance of a research laboratory. The focus of the Todesco lab is to understand plant diversity and adaptation using a combination of molecular and development biology, quantitative genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology and ecology. The primary responsibilities of the successful candidate will be to contribute to research projects and to coordinate the running of the laboratory.

Organizational Status

Reports directly 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 graduate and undergraduate students, as well as departmental staff and administrators. The Research Technician is fundamental to the ongoing success of the lab.

Work Performed

· Plans and conducts experiments as part of the lab’s various research projects, either independently or in collaboration with other lab members

· Conducts standard molecular biology and genomics techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, RT-qPCR, DNA and RNA isolation, WGS, GBS and Hi-C sequencing library preparations, and molecular cloning

· Analyzes and interprets experiment results and troubleshoots problems as needed

· Performs plant work in growth chambers, greenhouses and field experiments (UBC Vancouver campus); this includes seed germination, plant care, performing crosses, cleaning and collecting seeds, various plant phenotyping

· Assist lab members in troubleshooting experiments

· Coordinates the running of the laboratory, performing tasks such as purchasing supplies, waste management, inventory control

· Maintains equipment in the laboratory, which includes maintaining contracts with equipment manufacturers, and coordinating repairs with vendors and suppliers

· Maintains a clean and orderly working environment in the lab

· Prepares and monitors stock of common reagents in the lab

· Documents and communicates experimental plans and results in different formats to the supervisor and members of the lab

· Provides orientation and training to new students on operational procedures

· Coordinates weekly meetings for research team

· 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 judgement are essential. The Research Technician will be responsible for reporting errors or problems in their work in a timely manner, and will participate in a resolution to correct those errors. Incorrect decisions could jeopardize research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in loss of experimental data and delay in conducting research.

Supervision Received

Works under supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or of senior researchers in the lab, carries out day-to-day tasks in collaboration with other members of the lab. Receives guidance from the Principal Investigator in weekly meetings to ensure priorities are met. Will receive instructions on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established procedures.

 
Supervision Given

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.

• 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

Preference will be given to candidates holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the field of botany, biology, genetics, genomics or related area of study. Demonstrated experience in molecular biology, plant biology, genetics and/or genomics. Experience in bioinformatic analysis of genomic data is preferred. Knowledge and familiarity with university systems, policies and procedures, as well as the ability to drive will also be assets. Passionate about plants and nature will be a plus.

Skills

• Familiarity with up-to-date safety regulations and best laboratory practices

• 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 initiative in collaborating on setting priorities and meeting deadlines

• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs, growth/learning mindset

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment

• Self-motivated person, fast learner, team player, and creative problem solver

• Enthusiastic about plants and science!