Research Assistant

Job SummaryWill help manage lab inventory, organization, and administrative tasks. Will assist with technical tasks, following established protocols with minimal supervision. Will use standard molecular, biochemical, and cell biological techniques to analyze cellular functions. Will use histological techniques to process and analyze tissue specimens. Will assist with the handling and breeding of mice, isolation of cells or tissues from mouse organs, and analysis of cell/tissue function using biochemical methods, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. Will assist with stereotaxic surgery and injections in mice. Will work in collaboration with other lab members on various projects, as guided by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Dong. Will work in partnership with other lab members in the maintenance of the lab environment, preparation of general use laboratory reagents, care of laboratory equipment, and day-to-day operations of the laboratory.Organizational StatusReceives general supervision from the Principal Investigator, Dr. Dong, and at times direct supervision by post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and collaborators. Will report directly to Principal Investigators for experiments and lab organizational tasks. Will be expected to work with minimal supervision once proficiency in the assigned duties has been established.Work PerformedPerform experiments involving standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques: PCR genotyping and RT-PCR analysis, assist in generation of single cell RNA libraries. Biochemical assays to monitor protein expression, phosphorylation and other aspects of signal transduction.Grow and maintain mammalian cell lines in culture: Make tissue culture medium, perform sterile tissue culture, maintain cell lines, and maintain the operation and cleanliness of the tissue culture suite including the tissue culture hood and incubators. Perform in vitro characterization of cells using molecular biology (e.g. RT-PCR), immunology (immunoblotting, flow cytometry), cell biology (confocal microscopy, cell growth assays) and other methods.Tissue processing and analysis: Isolation, fixation, and cryopreservation of tissue organs from mice. Preparation and cryosection of fix-frozen tissues. Histological and immunological analysis of tissue sections using immunofluorescence microscopy.Mouse colony maintenance and experiments; Maintain mouse colony, aid graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in stereotaxic surgery, mouse injections and monitoring, and collect tissues for cell culture, biochemical analysis, and/or histology.Lab upkeep: Place phone and/or written orders for lab supplies either directly to companies or through UBC purchasing. Keep track of supply inventory, unpack lab supplies, and put them in proper places. Assist in routine lab maintenance and upkeep of laboratory equipment.Maintenance of lab permit and training records: Working in partnership with the Principal Investigator to assist in writing and renewal of biosafety, animal use, and human ethic protocols for the lab, ensure lab members are in compliance with approved lab permits, ensure training records are up to date.Training of lab members: Working in partnership with the Principal Investigator to assist in the training of junior members of the lab, passing on proper lab protocols and working procedures to new members, and providing expertise.Keeping records and attending meetings: Lab records of work must be kept according to lab standards, i.e. a thoroughly documented lab notebook. Reports will be required at standard intervals. Attendance at and participation in meetings of lab members, collaborators and other researchers will be expected and clearly defined.Consequence of Error/JudgementResearch will be discussed, checked and commented on by the Principal Investigator and lab colleagues. Poor attention to detail and erroneous data will negatively impact the progress and direction of research projects. Errors related to experiments would cause the loss of valuable reagents, research time, and grant funds, jeopardizing future grant funding. Improper maintenance of the laboratory, reagent/consumable stocks, and/or instruments will result in the unnecessary delay of the group’s research and unnecessary expenses. Improper adherence to lab safety and research ethics may pose hazards to personnel and animals. BSL2 and chemical hazards require proper adherence to safe practices or may risk infection or harm to self and/or other lab members.Supervision ReceivedInitially, the Principal Investigator will provide detailed instruction for all tasks and experiments. Other lab members who are more familiar with specific equipment, experimental approaches or projects will provide periodic supervision when required or appropriate. Once the tasks and techniques have been mastered, supervision will be minimal unless a specific need arises. The Principal Investigator may provide supervision on the use and maintenance of equipment and other lab organization tasks.Supervision GivenIntroduces new research group members to lab safety and general operating procedures. Provides training and expertise in procedures that they have mastered.Minimum QualificationsCompletion 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 inclusionPreferred QualificationsB.Sc. degree in Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or Biotechnology is strongly preferred. Current UBC certification with Biosafety and Chemical Safety is an asset. Theoretical and practical experience in tissue histology (i.e. tissue processing and cryosectioning, histological staining), cell biology techniques (i.e. microscopy, cell transfection, flow cytometry, immunostaining, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation) and mouse handling are assets. Must be able to follow and carry out instructions from Principal Investigator. Must be able to carry out such techniques with minimal supervision. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Interest and enthusiasm for scientific research. Excellent record keeping and documentation skills.