UBC Forest & Conservation Sciences Department Research Asst/Tech 3 Full Time in Vancouver, BC

Overview

UBC Forest & Conservation Sciences Department

Branch Vancouver BC CA

Position:
Research Asst/Tech 3
Location:
Vancouver, BC

Laboratory-based training of science at an undergraduate and graduate level may be required. Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination…

To perform translational cancer research focused on the development of novel and improved treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer.

Organizational Status

This position will support translational research at Pancreas Centre BC, a partnership between the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA), Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and the University of British Columbia (UBC). The candidate will work in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics where Dr. Marcel Bally is the Head of the Department. Directly reports to the BCCA-based Principal Investigator, Dr. Donald Yapp as well as a scientist affiliated with Pancreas Centre BC. Will interact with post-docs, grad students, and other technicians in the BCCA lab and other collaborating laboratories.

Work Performed

Duties include:

1. Perform small animal surgery, maintain pancreatic cancer xenograft models, process and analyze tumour tissue.

2. Perform cell culture work, including establishing primary cell culture, maintenance and treatment.

3. Conducts complex lab procedures and/or experiments (which include but not limited to, DNA/RN/protein preparation, transfections, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, RT-PCR, flow cytometry). This includes setting up the equipment, preparing samples, specimens, solutions, reagents, cultures, carrying out and/or modifying experimental procedures; recording observations; performing data analysis and reporting results to principal investigator.

4. Receives, prepares and performs standard lab procedures on clinical specimens.

5. Performs modifications and testing of scientific protocols, computer software, tools or equipment used for research/experiments when necessary.

6. Conducts diagnoses and notifies principal investigator of any problems and recommends preliminary solutions relating to equipment, experimental procedures, software, etc.

7. Conducts literature research; provides input to research reports, journals and/or articles; may present research work at seminars/conferences and participate in lab discussions.

8. Operates, calibrates, tests, and maintains scientific equipment and instruments used in research; reports malfunction to appropriate research staff.

9. Performs general lab managerial duties such as placing orders for lab supplies, maintaining lab inventory and lab cleanliness, preparing stock solutions; and other administrative functions related to the smooth operation of the laboratory.

10. Performing other related tasks.

Supervision Received

The Research Technician will work under the principal investigator, Dr. Donald Yapp and Dr. Marcel Bally.

Supervision Given

Laboratory-based training of science at an undergraduate and graduate level may be required. Instrument-specific and specialized laboratory training will be provided as needed. The successful candidate will be exposed to a wide variety of techniques that are clinically relevant.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Because errors may have deleterious impact on experiments to be performed, such errors should as much as possible be avoided. Errors in the management of mouse colonies could results in loss of invaluable mouse lines, increased cost and failed experiments. Intermittent errors would necessitate review of quality control techniques and continual errors in routine work could lead to discipline or dismissal.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. BSc in a Biology or related discipline. MSc in Biology or related discipline is preferred. Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Comfortable working with rodents. Proof of strong interpersonal and organizational skills, oral and written communication (e.g. publications), and ability to work independently is a requirement. Excellent time-management, multitasking, attention-to-detail, flexibility, eagerness to learn is also a must.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.