Research Assistant

Job SummarySituated at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia, the Dementia Therapeutics Innovation Initiative (DTII), led by Dr. Haakon Nygaard, Dr. Brian MacVicar, and Dr. Freda Miller, invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant / Technician (TRA 2). Catalyzed by a generous private donation, the DTII is driven by a vision to support the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia therapeutics at UBC. Under the direction of senior laboratory staff, the Research Assistant / Technician provides technical and operational support to the Nygaard Laboratory and DTII by assisting with laboratory experiments, maintaining cell cultures, preparing samples, and supporting routine laboratory operations using established protocols and procedures.Organizational StatusReports directly to Dr. Haakon Nygaard. Works closely with laboratory staff, including technicians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other affiliated research personnel within the Nygaard Laboratory and DTII.Work PerformedUnder general supervision and using established methods and protocols, the incumbent performs the following duties: Laboratory Research Support· Assist with laboratory bench work in support of ongoing research activities.· Assist with cell culture work, including human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), differentiated cell lines, and 3D neurospheres, following established protocols.· Assist with routine maintenance of hiPSC-derived cultures, including scheduled media changes and monitoring culture conditions.· Perform assigned experimental procedures related to cell culture under the guidance of senior staff.· Assist with preparation of samples for downstream applications.· May assist with confocal microscopy imaging of cultured cells and/or human histological tissue.· Assist with preparation of histological sections, including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence labelling, following standardized protocols.· Assist with basic data processing and image quantification using established software (e.g., ImageJ) as directed.· Perform routine biochemical and molecular biology procedures following written protocols. Laboratory Maintenance· Prepare and maintain common stock solutions and reagents used by laboratory staff.· Prepare routine tissue culture media and daily solutions according to established schedules.· Assist with routine cleaning, maintenance, and organization of laboratory spaces.· Operate, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting of standard laboratory equipment.· Report equipment issues and assist with coordinating maintenance or repairs. Laboratory Operations Support· Assist with maintaining laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.· Assist with ordering and stocking laboratory supplies and consumables.· Maintain accurate records related to inventory, reagent preparation, and routine laboratory activities.Consequence of Error/JudgementErrors may impact individual experiments, particularly sensitive cell cultures or biological samples. Work is performed following established procedures, with issues or deviations reported promptly to senior staff.Supervision ReceivedWorks under general supervision when carrying out assigned and familiar duties. Receives training and instruction from senior laboratory staff and/or the Principal Investigator, particularly when procedures or assignments change.Supervision GivenMay assist with training new staff or students in routine laboratory procedures and safe operation of standard equipment.Minimum QualificationsHigh 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 inclusionPreferred Qualifications· Previous experience in a laboratory technician or research support role.· Experience assisting with tissue culture techniques.· Familiarity with routine laboratory operations and equipment.· Basic working knowledge of research laboratory practices and procedures.· Ability to use standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and internet-based systems.· Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.· Ability to follow established protocols accurately and manage assigned tasks effectively.· Ability to work both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a research team.