Staff - Non Union
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Research Assistant/Technician 2
Robinson Laboratory | Department of Medical Genetics | Faculty of Medicine
$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly
June 29, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
June 30, 2027
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 individual will join a group with laboratory space within the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. The focus of this lab is on study of gene expression and epigenetic changes in the placenta.
Duties will involve biological (mostly placenta) sample processing, DNA/RNA extraction; Aliquoting subsets of frozen tissue sample, extracting RNA, preparing/sending samples for bioanalysis, maintaining supplies and consumables, cleaning, washing and autoclaving instruments, general cleaning of areas used for the extractions and lab work, organizing storage, preparation of buffers and solutions, help with lab inventories and maintenance and other general lab related duties.
Within a wet-research laboratory. Interaction with other lab members as well as other research labs within the institute. There are minor biohazard and chemical hazards to be aware of, which, with appropriate precautions can be minimized. Individual will have desk space and computer access.
Organizational Status
The individual will work under close supervision of a Senior Research Associate. The individual will report on a regular basis to the senior research associate and results will be reviewed and additional experiments outlined. The individual may attend weekly lab meetings and present results of work when appropriate.
Work Performed
1) Placental sampling and dissection
2) DNA/RNA extraction from blood and other human tissues
3) Molecular genetics techniques including methylation-based DNA analyses (pyrosequencing) and real time PCR quantitation of gene expression
4) Maintaining solutions (keeping track and maintaining consumables and reagent stocks and lab inventories) and other general lab maintenance.
5) Analysis of results and incorporation into a computer database
Appropriate laboratory waste management.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors will result in incorrect data and incorrect conclusions possibly causing experiments having to be repeated due to faulty results and costing time and reagents. Problems will be resolved through discussions with other lab members as well as the supervisors.
Supervision Received
After initial training the incumbent is expected to perform experiments with general supervision. Research associate will review tasks on at least a weekly basis. Candidate will also routinely discuss work and results with principal investigators at lab meetings and individually on at least a monthly basis.
Supervision Given
Individual is expected to train new members to the lab in the analysis techniques used and explain protocols.
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
BSc in Biology or related discipline with some laboratory experience. B.Sc. in related discipline or relevant experience including knowledge of standard molecular and cell biology techniques. At least one year of relevant laboratory experience. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment. Strong understanding of molecular biological techniques as well as adherence to strict Biological and Chemical safety regulations that guide proper practices and procedures is required.
Demonstrated ability to reliably carry out instructions without ongoing directions, ability to work independently, and within a team environment. Previous experience using basic computer programs for data entry e.g. Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, etc, downloading and installing software, and data file organization. Accuracy and attention to detail. Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures and techniques.
