Research Assistant/technician 4

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 4

Department

Strynadka Laboratory | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$5,220.98 - $6,124.46 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

Sep 22, 2025

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 is required to support day to day macromolecular sample preparation for structural biology as well as infrastructure operation and eventual user training in the High Resolution Macromolecular EM Facility at UBC; to assist with operation of a variety of instrumentation required for sample production and high resolution single particle electron microscopy sample preparation; to provide support to lab members and users in sample preparation as well as periodically room temperature and cryoEM imaging under oversight of the HRMEM Operational and Infrastructure Lab Managers. Contributions to ongoing update of laboratory websites and protocols will also be expected.

Organizational Status
The incumbent will report directly to the Lab manager and the PI, Dr. Natalie Strynadka.

Work Performed-
- Oversee, operate, maintain, train users on a 120 keV Talos TEM instrument in both room temperature and cryo modes (including the use of a side cryo holder).- Responsible for handling and clipping cryoEM grids in preparation for imaging, as well as handling of cryoEM grids for transfer to multi-sample autoloader capsules.- Oversee, maintain, train users on a VitroBot and other vitrification equipment.- Work with lab members and users to troubleshoot problems and answer queries.- Oversee and perform logístical tasks including organizational tasks, equipment maintenance and oversight, user session scheduling, placing orders, handling liquid nitrogen, and tracking usage.- Assist with lab and facility communication including website population and design and creation or update of standardized operational procedure documentation.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Poor decisions and/or coordination could delay the timely completion of projects or may result in the loss of funding.

Supervision Received
Work with gradually limited direct supervision and sets priorities based on work load. Much of the work is done independently, however, work is reviewed against task objectives and conformity to standards with input and oversight from lab managers and PI.

Supervision Given
Provides guidance and direction to faculty, staff and graduate/undergraduate students.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.
- 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

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or graduation from a technical college or institute is required. A MSc in a relevant discipline is preferred. Prior expertise of sample preparation for structural biology including membrane proteins is preferred, as is knowledge of the general work flow of single particle cryoEM.
- communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including accurate record keeping.
- work in a team environment.

- work independently with limited supervision.
- have attention to detail and a technical mindset
- use lateral thinking skills to resolve problems
- deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.