Bio-surveillance / Computational Entomology

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Bio-surveillance / Computational Entomology Technician

Department

Research Support | Carrillo Research Group | Applied Biology Program | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Compensation Range

$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

September 17, 2024

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

Job End Date

Oct 31, 2024

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
This position will coordinate and conduct laboratory and field work related to insect bio-surveillance and pest monitoring, including coordinating a collaborative project on yellow sticky card image recognition and processing between the University of British Columbia, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, and Aarhus University.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Juli Carrillo) and indirectly to the lab manager. Will work in a UBC research team consisting of professors, technical staff, graduate and undergraduate students. Will work closely with project collaborators, including Dr. Michelle Franklin (AAFC) and Dr. Quentin Geissmann (Aarhus University).

Work Performed
- Scans sticky cards and pitfall traps for image processing, image recognition, machine learning, and identification automation.
- Sticky cards from 2022 & 2023 field collections SBW across Canada
- Sticky cards from PIEE Lab field collections
- DFWT from 2020-2022
- Calvert Island 2022 & 2023
- Pitfall traps from DWFT and UBC Farm
- Identifies field-collected insects from images and from physical samples, consulting with expert taxonomists.
- Assists in analyzing and interpreting experimental results or research data by performing tasks such as assembly, compilation, and summary of statistical and other data.
- At times, conducts field sampling of insects and crops and processes samples to support subprojects related to NSERC Alliance Project, including berry collections and incubations, sticky card deployment and collection, pitfall trap deployment and collection. Locations include UBC Farm, Totem Field, and may include additional off-campus sites in Delta, and the Lower Mainland, BC.
- Compiles and writes project reports of a technical nature and project summaries for a lay audience.
- Utilizes standard techniques and protocols and performs various technical tasks.
- Assists in the development new protocols in consultation with the PI and other collaborators on sticky card image processing and data storage.
- May conduct lab and field experiments designed by the PI and at times, support graduate student projects and experiments through data collection and project maintenance. This may also include coordination/distribution of work assignments to undergraduate students.
- Performs other duties when necessary.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
When sampling insects, the Bio-surveillance/Computational Entomology Technician decides what insects fall into the categories drawing upon outside expertise when necessary. They must decide on how best to use time efficiently and multi-task with high level of self-motivation and organization. New and unusual problems must be brought to the PI’s attention. All work will be checked by the PI or other researchers in the lab or outside experts as designated by the PI, when necessary. Inappropriate judgement will cause missing data or biased results, missed deadlines, which will delay timelines in the Professor’s research project and possible reputational damage for the PIEE Lab.

Supervision Received
Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures. Reports directly to the Principal Investigator and indirectly to the lab manager.

Supervision Given

May coordinate and/or distribute tasks to undergraduate work-learn students.

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
- Completion of a relevant technical p