Research Assistant /Technician 2

Staff - Non Union

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Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

This position is expected to be filled by reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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 appointment is for a Research Assistant/Technician position in the Prystajecky Lab to provide technical support on multiple research projects focusing on environmental water. The primary responsibilities include receiving, processing, and testing environmental water samples as part of routine monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 and other human pathogens. The candidate will also contribute to the development and validation of novel molecular methods for pathogen detection, which will be implemented at the BC Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory (BCCDC PHL).

In addition, the candidate may be involved in One Health initiatives that focus on detecting zoonotic and agricultural pathogens in a variety of environmental matrices, including sediment, air, and farm samples. This work involves sample processing, nucleic acid extraction using both commercial and in-house methods, and molecular detection techniques such as qPCR.

This work is with patient personal data and the individual must understand and exemplify the ethics of confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect when communicating all study information. The applicant must be exceptionally detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow detailed protocols. This person must also be self-directed, able to excel in a team environment, know personal limitations and take initiative to ask for assistance when needed.

Organizational Status
The applicant reports to the project PI and will work primarily in an autonomous role, thus previous experience in research is critical. The position will be held at the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory. Remote work encouraged when it is possible.

Work Performed

• Conducts daily laboratory tasks, including RNA extraction from a range of environmental specimens (e.g., wastewater, marine water, sediment, air, farm samples) and performing qPCR testing.
• Ensures that the laboratory conforms with relevant laboratory safety guidelines as they pertain to working a Biosafety Level II Lab, using Level III precautions. 

• Maintains detailed inventory of samples processed and keep meticulous records of their work in order to troubleshoot problems and propose improvements to assays. 

• Analyzes and summarizes results for reports, publications, and presentations at team meetings. 

• Designs and carries out validation experiments and writing of standard operating procedures.  

• Manages laboratory operation; organizes laboratory, maintains inventory and ordering of supplies. 

• Coordinates, monitors, and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures. 

• Writes reports and updates for stakeholders; contributes to writing of research grants 

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The applicant is required to conduct all activities in an ethical manner. Any procedures or data recorded as part of this research must be accurate and must accurately reflect the work performed. Strict confidentiality of all project participants is critical. Errors made could influence the ability of researchers to interpret data correctly, delay the timely completion of work, and thus compromise the results of research projects. This would impact the credibility of the PI and other team members.

Supervision Received
Most aspects of work will be assigned and then carried out independently, with feedback from Project PI and research team.

Supervision Given
N/A

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 a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute.
• Two years’ experience with research studies or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Computer literacy and proficiency (minimum with Microsoft Office).
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Able to identify and relate to concerns of others and to exercise good judgement when resolving difficulties.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative and self-directed work habits.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, respectful, and effective manner.