Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
May 31, 2027
The anticipated start date for this position is June 1, 2026. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension.
In your application please include (1) a cover letter, and (2) a CV or resume.
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 primary work of this position is to provide technical support for various projects within the Nielsen laboratory’s sarcoma and breast cancer research programs. The successful candidate will be involved in planning and performing experiments in the fields of cancer molecular and cell biology, DNA & RNA analysis, protein biochemistry and proteomics, immunohistochemistry & immunefluorescence microscopy, experimental therapeutics and clinical translation. Immediate projects involve research programs understanding the biology and developing new therapies for fusion oncogene sarcomas affecting adolescents & young adults using cell and mouse models
Organizational Status
The research assistant reports directly to Dr. Torsten Nielsen and will interact frequently with other members of the research team, such as graduate students and technicians, on a project-specific basis to achieve project goals.
Work Performed
· Works with senior staff and graduate students to design experiments.
· Plans and performs experiments; troubleshoots problems when they arise.
· Collects and records experimental data; analyses, interprets and reports on results.
· Presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the writing of manuscripts and grant applications.
· Presents relevant papers of interest at journal clubs.
· Provides guidance and training to new undergraduate/graduate students in proper laboratory procedures, techniques and use of equipment.
· Assists senior technologist in organizing and maintaining reagents, supplies and equipment in the laboratory.
· Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors and incorrect decisions made in this position could jeopardize the experiments performed, compromise data quality and/or delay project completion.
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision by Principal Investigator (Dr. Torsten Nielsen), the laboratory’s senior research associate (Dr. Shilpa Patil), and senior research technician (Angela Goytain).
Supervision Given
While the research assistant is not expected to provide direct supervision to others, s/he may be asked to provide guidance and training to new undergraduate and graduate students in proper laboratory procedures, techniques and use of equipment.
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
· Undergraduate degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, pharmaceutical sciences or related fields with experience in at least two research labs, preferably including cancer research experience.
· Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, have excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong oral and written communication skills in scientific English.
Demonstrable experience in several the following experimental techniques is desirable:
DNA & RNA extraction and purification, and PCR.
Transfection, CRISPr
Protein analysis: protein extraction and quantification, electrophoresis
FACS Flow cytometry
RNA-seq library preparation
In-vivo mouse models and drug testing
Microscopy (brightfield and fluorescent)