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

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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 will support a multidisciplinary research program focused on red blood cell biology, oxidative stress, transfusion medicine, and immunology. The successful candidate will perform animal handling and experimental procedures using murine models, collect and process biological samples, and conduct laboratory-based assays investigating the effects of oxidative stress on blood cells and immune responses.

Responsibilities will include animal husbandry support, administration of experimental treatments, blood collection, tissue harvesting and preparation of samples for flow cytometry.

The position will contribute to projects investigating mechanisms of oxidative stress in health and disease, and preclinical evaluation of therapeutic interventions relevant to transfusion medicine and hematologic disorders.

Organizational Status
The individual will report directly to the Principal Investigator (Dr. James Zimring) and work closely with research associates, graduate students, and collaborating investigators. Initially, the individual will work under close supervision but will be expected to perform assigned duties independently following appropriate training and demonstration of competency.

Work Performed
 

• Perform animal handling and husbandry procedures in accordance with approved animal care protocols and institutional guidelines.
• Administer experimental treatments by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or other approved routes.
• Conduct animal monitoring and record keeping.
• Perform blood collection procedures.
• Assist with necropsies, organ harvesting, tissue processing, and sample storage.
• Prepare and process blood samples for hematological, biochemical, immunological, and functional analyses.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, animal records, and electronic databases.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and laboratory supplies and maintain inventory records.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work will be reviewed regularly by the Principal Investigator through meetings and project discussions. Errors in animal procedures, sample processing, data collection, or record keeping may result in loss of valuable biological samples, delays in research progress, increased costs, compromised experimental outcomes, or non-compliance with institutional regulations. Failure to adhere to animal care, biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory safety procedures could result in injury to personnel, adverse animal welfare outcomes, or regulatory violations.

Supervision Received
Initially, detailed instructions and training will be provided by the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel. General supervision will be provided once proficiency has been demonstrated. Direct supervision will be available for new techniques, specialized procedures, or troubleshooting as required.

Supervision Given
May provide instruction and technical guidance to undergraduate students, volunteers, and new laboratory members regarding laboratory procedures, animal handling practices, safety requirements, and standard operating procedures. No formal supervisory responsibilities are expected.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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

• Undergraduate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Animal Biology, or a related discipline. MSc training is considered an asset.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of relevant laboratory research experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with animal handling, restraint, injections, blood collection, health monitoring, and tissue collection is highly desirable.
• Completion of UBC Animal Care and Biosafety training or willingness to obtain certification immediately upon hire.
• Experience with data analysis using Excel, GraphPad Prism, R, Python, or similar software is desirable.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to high-quality scientific research.
• Interest in transfusion medicine, hematology, immunology, or oxidative stress biology is strongly preferred.