Molecular Technologist

BC’s Gynecologic Cancer Initiative is an interdisciplinary team working together to drive innovative research that transforms how we prevent, diagnose, treat and improve survivorship care for people with or at risk of gynecological cancer. We are seeking a highly motivated Molecular Technologist with demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience relevant to the development of clinical diagnostic assays and omics-based clinical discovery using molecular biology techniques. Our ideal candidate is passionate about science, is supremely organized and self-directed individual, and a team-player who thrives in a fast-paced work environment with multiple competing priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to join a world-leading program and to contribute to cutting-edge molecular research supporting the discovery of novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Organizational Status

The molecular technologist will report directly to Dr. Jessica McAlpine, Dr. David Huntsman and the Lab Manager, and will work in a collaborative and collegial fashion with cross-functional project team members to meet project goals and objectives. The position interacts regular with members from other departments within UBC, VCHRI and BC Cancer.

Work Performed

· Designing and performing a variety of complex technical work involving molecular analysis including next generation sequencing, nucleic acid extraction, polymerase chain reaction, gene expression analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestions, and other clinical genetics procedures on patient and clinical trials samples.

· Planning and executing experiments, either independently or in collaboration with other team members

· Operating and maintaining highly specialized equipment

· Researching and determining applicability of new technology and systems

· Developing operating procedures and making recommendation on workflow improvements

· Providing instruction and training in the use of specialized techniques and equipment

· Analyzing and evaluating experimental data using software programs (IGV, and Illumina and Qiagen online data analysis pipelines, Mutation Surveyor, N counter)

· Receiving and maintaining tissue sample database

· Requesting and receiving common lab consumables and equipment

· Supporting and collaborating with members from various teams to meet project deliverables and timelines

· Establishing and maintaining lab inventory and reagent databases

· Growing your technical skill set and engaging in professional development

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The applicant will be given a high degree of latitude and must be capable of excellent judgment, responsibility, and initiative in conducting research and ensuring the successful and timely completion of tasks. High-level decisions will be approved by supervisor. Failure to achieve this level of performance will jeopardize continued funding of research projects. Failure to meet goals may result in suspended funding and will negatively impact the ability to attract future funds. Failure to comply with appropriate protocols and procedures may result in suspension of ability to conduct experiments in the facility, significantly impacting progress of research and negatively impacting ability to attract future funding.

Supervision Received

The incumbent is expected to independently organize and define daily activities, as well as to set and plan to achieve both near- and short-term objectives. They will receive general supervision and high-level instruction from Project Leaders when new duties are assigned. The employee will take initiative to collaborate with other group members in managing work plans, assigning tasks, and responding to problems. Receives detailed instructions only on unusual problems or on matters that depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

Supervision Given

May oversee and direct the work of one or two research staff or trainees.

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 molecular or cellular biology, or genetics, or a related discipline with demonstrated experience in next-generation sequencing technologies preferred.

· Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

· Ability to organize workload and set priorities.

· Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

· Knowledge and technical competence to perform procedures using molecular techniques.

· Knowledge of computerized laboratory information systems.

· Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

· Ability to exercise tact and discretion.

· Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.

· Have key understanding of the process of research projects from proposals to publications.

· Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.