Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
December 17, 2026At 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 4 (RA4) will manage and coordinate a multi-site research project evaluating the use of metagenomic sequencing for infectious disease diagnosis. The successful applicant will provide high-level laboratory research and project coordination assistance to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Tang.
The RA4 will be responsible for performing advanced molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The role requires a working knowledge of bioinformatics for data analysis. The incumbent will also support various molecular microbiology projects, including the development of a new PCR assays, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other microorganisms of interest.
Organizational Status
The successful applicant will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Tang. The position is based in the Microbiology and Virology Laboratory at St. Paul's Hospital. The RA4 will work closely and collaboratively with a clinical scientist, the medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) and medical microbiologists within the clinical laboratory.
Work Performed
List of responsibilities in order of importance:
Manages and coordinates a multi-site research project on metagenomic sequencing, including sample tracking, data management, and communication with collaborating sites.
Performs complex molecular biology procedures, including nucleic acid extraction from various clinical samples, PCR, and library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Applies a working knowledge of bioinformatics to analyze sequencing data, including quality control, alignment, and basic analysis of metagenomic and genomic datasets.
Develops, validates, and implements real-time PCR assays.
Conducts whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and analysis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other microorganisms of interest.
Works collaboratively with the clinical scientist, medical laboratory technologists, and medical microbiologists in the St. Paul's Hospital Microbiology and Virology laboratory to integrate research activities with clinical workflows.
Maintains accurate and highly organized records of experiments, project activities, and results.
Assists in preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication.
Provides technical guidance and training to junior lab members, co-op students, or graduate students as required.
Performs other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position requires a high degree of organization, accuracy, and independent judgment. The RA4 will work independently on complex tasks. Errors in project management could jeopardize relationships with collaborating sites and delay project timelines. Errors in performing molecular assays or analyzing data could lead to incorrect conclusions, loss of valuable samples, wasted resources, and negatively impact research outcomes and potential clinical applications. Inappropriate judgment in communication with hospital laboratory staff could disrupt clinical workflows and damage inter-departmental relations.
Supervision Received
The RA4 will work independently with minimal daily supervision, exercising significant initiative and judgment. The incumbent will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Tang, and will work in close collaboration with the clinical scientist and other medical microbiologists. Work will be reviewed based on the successful achievement of project goals and milestones.
Supervision Given
The RA4 is not responsible for formal staff supervision. However, the incumbent will be expected to provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to junior lab members, co-op students, and graduate students who may assist with research projects.
Minimum Qualifications
University degree in relevant discipline or completion of a technical program and a minimum five 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
M.Sc. degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a relevant related discipline.
Minimum of 4 years of related, hands-on experience in a molecular biology or microbiology research setting, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and quantitative PCR (qPCR).
Direct experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and sequencing workflows.
Working knowledge of bioinformatics tools and pipelines for analyzing sequencing data.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work closely with both research and clinical staff.
Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
Experience in a clinical microbiology or hospital laboratory setting is highly desirable.
Specific experience with whole-genome sequencing of bacteria.
Experience in the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays.
Proficiency with command-line bioinformatics tools for genomic data analysis.
Experience with laboratory information systems (LIMS) or clinical data management.