Research Technician 3

Staff - Non Union

Job Category: Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile: Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title: Research Technician 3
Department: Research | Snutch | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range: $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date: April 14, 2025

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

Job End Date: Apr 30, 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
The Research Technician will assist with daily operations, experiments and maintenance of a research laboratory that focuses on the signal transduction in the nervous system. They will contribute to research projects through nanopore sequencing, writing computer scripts, purchasing supplies, maintaining and organizing lab space, resources and equipment. The technician is fundamental to the ongoing success of the lab.

Organizational Status
Reports to Dr. Terrance Snutch and is supervised by the senior Research Associate in the lab. The Technician will interact closely with members of the research group including graduate and undergraduate students, UBC and department staff and administrators, and collaborators.

Work Performed

• Assist with the design of experiments, then plans and conducts experiments that utilize molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA isolation, PCR and RT-PCR, DNA sequencing using nanopore technology.
• Performs genotyping of mouse ear-clip samples.
• Analyzes DNA sequence data using computer software and program languages.
• Organizes and maintains detailed documentation of work performed.
• Coordinates the running of the laboratory, including monitors inventories, implements operational procedures, assigns general lab chores to other lab members to maintain a clean and orderly working environment.
• Purchases supplies and reconciles expenses against the appropriate grants, monitors financials, carries out product research and quote solicitation for use in grant writing.
• Oversees the maintenance, monitoring and calibration of lab equipment; coordinating technical services from vendors.
• Provides orientation and training to new students in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.
• Serves on the department safety committee, follows safety guidelines and implements procedures within the lab.
• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Attention to detail and exercising judgment are essential. The Research Technician will be responsible for reporting errors or problems in their work in a timely manner, and participates in a resolution to correct those errors. Improper execution of procedures may warrant the repetition of experiments affecting the timeline of the research project and wasting of resources.

Supervision Received
The position is expected to perform with minimal supervision. General guidelines and milestones will be established and weekly meetings will be held to assess progress. Will receive instructions on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established procedures.

Supervision Given
This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The Research Technician will provide orientation and training to new lab members.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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
Preference will be given to candidates holding a degree in the fields of life sciences, computing or engineering technologies.

Skills
Excellent organizational and communication skills, capability for working both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary setting is essential.