Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
February 28, 2027
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
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/Technician 3 performs complex technical work supporting preclinical research in behavioural neuroscience, neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology using rodent models. This role centres on in vivo microdialysis and HPLC-based neurochemical analysis and requires the technician to independently execute technical components of studies, troubleshoot procedures and equipment and support the development and refinement of laboratory methods and workflows. The position requires advanced hands-on expertise in rodent stereotaxic procedures (including microdialysis cannula implantation), microdialysis sample collection, and HPLC analysis, together with a strong commitment to animal care, protocol compliance, and rigorous record-keeping.
Organizational Status
The position reports to the Principal Investigator and/or a designated senior member of the research team. The technician works closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate trainees, and may coordinate or oversee aspects of technical work performed by junior staff and trainees as required.
Work Performed
Performs rodent stereotaxic surgeries independently, with primary responsibility for microdialysis cannulation (guide cannula implantation) and related procedures under approved ACC protocols; provides post-operative monitoring and care.
Conducts microdialysis experiments with minimum supervision, including experimental setup, probe implantation, sample collection and documentation.
Independently performs sophisticated neurochemical analysis of brain microdialysis samples using HPLC using chromatography data systems and performs essential quality control checks (e.g., external standard calibrations).
Responsible for essential daily maintenance and repair, when necessary, of microdialysis and HPLC equipment and associated laboratory hardware; documents maintenance and reports performance concerns promptly.
Prepares all lab solutions and reagents (e.g., artificial cerebrospinal fluid and other study-specific buffers) without supervision according to detailed standardized formula; participate in developing formula for lab solutions
Performs animal handling and monitoring (rats), including routine health checks, dosing, and post-procedure monitoring in alignment with CCAC and UBC ACC-approved protocols. Plays a primary role in ensuring that all trainees follow essential protocols as specified in the CCSA guidelines
Provides technical training and hands-on guidance to students, new staff, and/or lower-level technicians on technical procedures, correct operation of sensitive equipment and detailed record-keeping.
Oversees laboratory organization, inventory management, ordering/restocking of consumables, and upkeep of records related to equipment, reagents, and study execution.
Participate in the development and implementation of new research protocols required to perform innovative neurocognitive tests that enable the assessment of the efficacy of candidate drugs for treatment of critical features of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Carries out related duties consistent with the scope and requirements of the position.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in surgical technique, microdialysis sampling, HPLC operation, or documentation could compromise animal welfare, study integrity, data quality, and compliance with approved animal care and use protocols. The technician is expected to exercise sound judgement in planning and prioritizing work, maintaining rigorous records, identifying problems early, and communicating with supervisors regarding new, unusual, or high-impact issues.
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision. The technician plans and schedules their work to meet study timelines. Receives detailed instruction on new duties or unusual procedures and consults the supervisor regarding unanticipated problems or protocol deviations.
Supervision Given
May provide direction, training, and oversight to students, trainees, and/or staff in lower classifications, including coordinating routine task assignments and ensuring work is performed accurately and in accordance with established procedures and safety/animal care requirements.
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
Demonstrated experience working with laboratory rats, including handling, monitoring, and adherence to CCAC animal care guidelines and UBC ACC-approved animal use protocols.
Demonstrated experience with rodent stereotaxic procedures and providing post-operative care.
Demonstrated experience in in vivo microdialysis and HPLC workflows.
Experience with chromatography data systems (e.g., Clarify or EZChrom).
Experience with behavioural testing relevant to the lab (e.g., operant conditioning, pain assays such as Von Frey).
Experience with multiple drug administration routes, including oral gavage, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intravenous dosing.
Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior staff/students and contribute to refinement of SOPs and laboratory workflows.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain high-quality documentation and data records.