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Department

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

This part-time position (15 hours/week, 0.40 FTE) is for a 6-month term.

Note: Only the Full Time Compensation Range is displayed on the job posting details advertised on the UBC Career sites. Salary for this position will be pro-rated at 0.40FTE.

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
The Research Assistant/Technician 1 provides routine technical and laboratory support for research activities within the Schultz Lab, related to the CAR-NK project. The position assists with cell culture, CAR-NK cell generation, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, and general laboratory operations.

Organizational Status
The position requires a flexible schedule to support time-sensitive laboratory activities. Depending on research and laboratory needs, the employee may occasionally be required to work early mornings, evenings or late hours, weekends, or statutory holidays, as needed, within the total 15-hour-per-week work schedule. The work schedule will be determined by the direct supervisor based on operational and research requirements.

Work Performed

The Research Assistant/Technician 1 provides routine technical and laboratory support for research activities primarily related to the CAR-NK project, including:

• Performs routine cell culture (primarily involving NK cells), including changing media, passaging cells, and maintaining cell cultures according to established protocols.
• Provides technical support for CAR-NK cell generation by preparing materials and carrying out assigned steps under the direction of senior laboratory staff.
• Prepares samples and materials and carries out assigned steps for ELISA, flow cytometry and cell-based assays according to established instructions
• Assists with DNA/RNA isolation, human blood sample processing, cryopreservation, and other laboratory assays according to established procedures.
• Prepares media, buffers, reagents, experimental materials, and other supplies required for laboratory procedures and scheduled experiments.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date laboratory inventories, monitors supplies and reagents, and obtains routine supplies from the in-house laboratory store.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of experimental work, samples, cryorepository materials, inventories, and other laboratory activities.
• Conducts routine literature searches and assists with locating, organizing, and maintaining relevant scientific publications.
• Performs routine laboratory maintenance, including cleaning work areas, dishwashing, autoclaving materials as required, proper disposal of biohazardous materials, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Assists with routine quality control activities for laboratory procedures, reagents, and equipment.
• Assists with the preparation of laboratory documents, records, reports, and presentations as directed.
• May assist in explaining routine laboratory procedures to new employees or trainees after appropriate training.
• Performs routine administrative and logistical tasks related to laboratory activities, including receiving and tracking shipments as required.
• Performs other duties as required.
  

Decision Making/Accountability
Work involves established laboratory techniques and procedures that are readily acquired through training and generally applied in routine situations. The employee is expected to follow protocols carefully, maintain accurate records, and report problems or unexpected results to the supervisor. Work involving human cells and research samples requires particular attention to accuracy and adherence to established procedures.

Supervision Received
Works under direct supervision in accordance with detailed oral or written instructions and established protocols. Routine duties are carried out under general supervision. Reports to the senior lab staff designated as laboratory supervisors, as well as the Principal Investigator, and works closely with laboratory personnel.

Supervision Exercised
None, but may explain routine work sequences or procedures to others after appropriate training.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

Post-secondary education or training in biology, biochemistry, medical laboratory science, biotechnology, or a related field is an asset. Experience with basic laboratory techniques and cell culture is preferred.

The successful candidate should have good organizational skills, attention to detail, basic computer skills, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately. The candidate should be able to work effectively both independently on routine assigned tasks and as part of a collaborative research team, and be willing to learn new laboratory techniques.

Employment Term and Conditions

The candidate will be appointed for an initial 6 month term (0.4 FTE).

Because the position involves handling human cells, human blood samples, and other laboratory materials, the employee must comply with all applicable health, safety, immunization, regulatory, institutional, departmental, and laboratory requirements. Adherence to all applicable policies and procedures is mandatory.