Research Associate

Posting #24-004AC

Research Associate Division of Medical Sciences

Term (24 months), Full-time (35 hours per week)

Purpose

A Research Associate is sought to coordinate and conduct research related to translational coronary disease, heart failure, and structure heart disease research. The incumbent will work in an innovative, fast-paced and highly motivating environment to understand the fundamental basis, therapeutic targets, and treatment approaches to these disease processes. The incumbent will participate actively in the design and execution of various project which range from bedside to bench and back using molecular biology, tissue pathology, imaging (basic, translational, and clinical), ex-vivo/in-vitro/in-vivo modeling, and analytical skills. The applicant will work with other laboratory technicians, students and postdoctoral fellows as well as the Principal Investigator in the laboratory. The applicant will be required off-site at the Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation at St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver. They will report directly to Dr. Geoffrey Payne.

Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

•Design, modify, and execute bench model experiments;

•Manage an international biobank and coordinate international specimen shipments and data transfers, including assistance with related contracts and ethics;

•Develop and draft protocols and safety procedures as well as assists with modeling of new interventional techniques;

•Develop operating procedures and make recommendations for workflow improvements, increasing efficiency and productivity;

•Handling of patient samples including blood and explanted tissue;

•Knowledge of cardiovascular interventions and assessment of cardiac devices;

•Conducts heart valve hydrodynamic and durability testing;

•Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain highly specialized equipment such as a hydrodynamic tester;

•Provide instruction and training in the use of a hydrodynamic tester and other specialized equipment;

•Write comprehensive reports, contribute to grant applications, biosafety certificates, ethical approval applications and presents research results at lab meetings;

•Oversee the progress of complex research projects, actively participating in their execution and ensuring they meet objectives;

•Manage and oversee the daily operations and finances of our laboratory;

•Oversee the preparation of buffers and media and performs basic cell culture and cell-based assays;

•Supervise research students for research projects;

•Make recommendations with respect to hiring as well as giving feedback to staff/student's performance; and

•Undertake any other related duties as related to job.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess the following: Master (preferred) or Bachelor degree in biotechnology, life sciences or related discipline, combined with at least 4 years experience and demonstrated proficiency in cardiovascular pathology and interventional cardiology translational research.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

•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;

•Well organized, good communication skills and excellent work attitude;

•Possess strong organizational skills, ability to think logically, understand instructions, and to work well under pressure;

•Have experience working with a hydrodynamic tester; and

•Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.

Salary

The starting salary will be determined with consideration of the successful candidate's relevant education, skills, and experience. The annual salary range for this position is $60,824.40 to $63,336.00.

Normal hours of work will be 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity

The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC's motto 'En Cha Huná translates to "they also live" and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.

Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

About the Community

Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada's best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC's excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC's largest campus in Prince George is located on the

traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T'enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.

UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean's university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~80,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to and Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.

To Apply

The University of Northern British Columbia is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from the four designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities) as well as the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and individuals with intersectional identities.

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Please forward your resume and proof of education (e.g. copy of transcripts or copy of degree/diploma) and include the competition number #24-004AC in the subject line to:

Human Resources, University of Northern British Columbia,

3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9

Email submissions:

Inquiries:

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Priority will be given to applications received by July 20, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.