Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Job Title
Research Assistant/Technician 2
Department
MacVicar Laboratory | Department of Psychiatry | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
May 8, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
May 15, 2026
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/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
We are seeking a dedicated Research Assistant to join Dr. Brian MacVicar's laboratory, working closely with Dr. Christopher Groten and Dr. Hyun Choi. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting brain slice experiments, imaging studies, and other biochemical analyses. Additionally, the incumbent will assist with the maintenance and care of animal colonies to support ongoing research.
Organizational Status
The research assistant/technician will collaborate with a team of lab members at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health on a project investigating cerebrovascular function, pericytes, cell death mechanisms, and neuroinflammation. The Centre hosts a diverse group of researchers studying various aspects of brain diseases, providing the candidate with an excellent opportunity to engage with a wide range of experts and gain valuable interdisciplinary experience.
Work Performed
• Perform brain slicing for experimental studies.
• Conduct two-photon imaging and data analysis.
• Carry out immunohistochemistry for tissue staining and analysis.
• Maintain cell culture for research experiments.
• Assist with animal colony maintenance, including breeding and care.
• Assist with general lab chores, such as equipment maintenance, reagent preparation.
• Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Scientific projects like this require the ability to learn from mistakes and adjust procedures or experiments to enhance outcomes. The research assistant/technician is expected to independently troubleshoot issues and correct errors as they arise. However, research associates overseeing the project will be available to provide guidance and support when needed.
Supervision Received
This position will receive supervision from the supervisor and Research Associates working in the team.
Supervision Given
None
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.
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Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
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Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
- Research skills such as data collection, literature reviews, and basic knowledge of statistical analysis and image processing.
- Strong attention to detail and strict adherence to research protocols are essential.
- Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, along with flexibility and a willingness to learn new techniques.
- Strong organizational and time management skills are also required.
