Research Assistant

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryNon Union Technicians and Research AssistantsJob ProfileNon Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3Job TitleResearch AssistantDepartmentWilson Laboratory | Department of Orthopaedics | Faculty of MedicineCompensation Range$4, $5,385.67 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateDecember 9, 2025

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

Job End Date

March 31, 2026

This is a part-time, 60% FTE (22.5 hours/week) position. The salary scale advertised is for full-time appointments, and will be pro-rated accordingly.

This is a term position with an end date of March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

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
The Research Assistant will provide essential technical support for biomechanics research focusing on human joint tissues (cartilage and menisci). This role is highly specialized, requiring precision in cadaveric specimen preparation and the ability to execute complex, integrated experiments involving mechanical loading devices and high-field 9.4T MRI systems. Key responsibilities include operating specialized equipment, assisting in the design and modification of testing fixtures, and performing quantitative data analysis, including image segmentation, to ensure high-integrity research output. A background that includes biomedical engineering or related field would be an advantage.

Organizational Status
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. David Wilson and be located at the Centre for Aging SMART, a University of British Columbia Senate-approved organization affiliated with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

Work Performed
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing high-level technical support for biomechanical experiments involving cadaveric tissue and advanced imaging. The duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

I. Specimen Management and Preparation

• Specimen Acquisition and Processing: Collect, prepare, and process human cadaveric knee joints (e.g., cartilage and menisci) for testing according to established lab protocols.

• Tissue Fixation and Inventory: Ensure appropriate fixation (e.g., cryopreservation) and maintain detailed inventory logs for all biospecimens, adhering strictly to institutional ethics (IRB) and biosafety guidelines.

II. Integrated Biomechanical Testing and Imaging

• Integrated Testing: Safely set up, calibrate, and align the specialized loading device and prepared knee specimen within the 9.4T MRI bore.

• Protocol Execution: Execute the full mechanical loading protocol, coordinating with the MRI technologist to perform the experimental sequence of unloaded imaging followed by loaded imaging for data acquisition.

• Instrumentation Support: Provide technical support for experimental apparatus, including assisting in the design, fabrication, modification, and troubleshooting of custom testing fixtures.

III. Data Acquisition, Processing, and Management

• Data Acquisition: Accurately acquire and record all experimental data, including 9.4T MRI scans (DICOM/NIFTI), raw strain measurements, and high-fidelity loading/displacement data.

• Image Segmentation: Perform manual or semi-automated segmentation of tissue structures from the imaging data using designated software (e.g., 3D Slicer) to generate quantitative measurements (e.g., extrusion, thickness, strain).

• Data Processing and Archival: Conduct initial data processing and quantitative analysis using lab software (e.g., MATLAB). Securely organize, label, and archive all raw and processed data on the lab server.

IV. General Lab Support

• Compliance: Read, understand, and strictly adhere to all institutional safety, ethics (IRB), and experimental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Maintenance: Assist with general maintenance, inventory management, and cleaning of the lab, equipment, and testing areas, ensuring compliance with biosafety and waste disposal guidelines.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in judgement or decision making may compromise the reputation of the research team, the Centre, and the University.

Supervision Received
This position works with independence on the tasks required under the general direction of Dr. David Wilson and his postdoctoral research fellow, Dr. Jordan Broberg.

Supervision Given
Supports Dr Wilson's research team as needed and connects with external collaborators. Not anticipated to manage staff.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion 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 inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following skills and experiences:

Technical Expertise

• Cadaveric Specimen Handling: Prior hands-on experience collecting and preparing human cadaveric knee specimens (cartilage, menisci, bone) is a significant asset.

• Advanced Imaging Experience: Experience working with high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other advanced medical/biomechanical imaging modalities (e.g., micro-CT) is preferred.

• Instrumentation/Design: Knowledge and practical experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and/or mechanical fixture design and fabrication is an asset.

• Data Processing Software: Proficiency with programming and data analysis tools relevant to biomechanics (e.g., MATLAB) and/or image segmentation software (e.g., 3D Slicer).

Research Background

• Research Focus: Expertise or specialized coursework in musculoskeletal research and arthritis is an asset. 

• Thesis-based Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Professional Skills

• Time Management: Demonstrated ability to self-motivate, set realistic timelines, and consistently meet project deadlines.

• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with the Principal Investigator and senior team members regarding experimental setup, technical issues, and data status.

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