9 UBC Research Tech Job as March 30, 2009

Please refer to http://scimedinfo.blogspot.com/2009/03/applying-for-research-staff-positions.html for online application process

Job ID: 5088
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: CUPE 116(Service/Techs/Trades)
Job Category: Research/Technical - CUPE 116
Classification Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Business Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Department: Botanical Grdn & Ctr for Hort.
Salary: $41,040.00 (Annual)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Desired Start Date: 2009/04/06
Job End Date: 2009/08/31
Possibility of Extension: Yes
Funding Type: Grant Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/05
Available Openings: 1

Job Summary
UBC Botanical Garden is a participant in the Canadian University Biodiversity Con-sortium (CUBC). CUBC is leading an effort to produce a cross-institution database of Canada's biological collections, including plants, fungi and insects. The initial phase of CUBC is funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The Biodiversity Informatics Technician leads the development and implementation of a tissue bank of UBC Botanical Garden's plant collections, organizes and leads the collection of plant specimens for deposit as vouchers in the UBC herbarium, orga-nizes and photographs key identifying features of living plants and vouchers, and as-sists in the identification and name verification of plant specimens.
Organizational Status
The Biodiversity Informatics Technician reports to the Curator of Collections. The Biodiversity Informatics Technician will work closely with the Research Director and the Accessions Technician.
Work Performed
Develops and implements a tissue bank of UBC Botanical Garden's plant collections; Collects, processes, and deposits tissue material in the tissue bank; Develops a procedure for comprehensive documentation of UBC Botanical Garden plant specimens via collected specimens and photographs; Collects and processes UBC Botanical Garden plant specimen material; Deposits processed plant specimen material in UBC Herbarium as herbarium vouchers; Participates in design of specimen and image databases to meet requirements of the CFI grant; Enters and retrieves data associated with tissue, herbarium vouchers and images; Photographs key identifying features of living plants and vouchered plant specimens; Develops a procedure for storage, backup and easy retrieval of digital images; Processes digital images for inclusion in image database and uploads images and associ-ated metadata; Assists Curator of Collections and Accessions Technician with identification and name verification of plant specimens; Corresponds with UBC and other academic taxonomic experts to assist with identifica-tion and name verification of plant specimens; Provides data to researchers to assist with identification of difficult plants; Supervise and train temporary staff/students Order supplies needed for Research projects Maintain/operate research equipment Perform other related duties assigned Working Conditions: Collection of plant specimens & tissue and photography of plants is carried out in all outdoor areas of the Botanical Garden collections. The technician is required to search through established plants to locate labels. Hazards include branches & twigs at eye-level, dust, and uneven surfaces. Computer work is carried out in the Botanical Garden office.
Supervision Received
Work is carried out under the supervision of the Curator of Collections.
Supervision Given
Will be responsible for orienting and day-to-day direction of an anticipated temporary short-term technician doing closely-related work. May have an occasional supervi-sory role with students or volunteers in directing them to perform certain repetitive tasks.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Poor choices regarding development of strategies for documentation of specimens and storage of information will result in repeating tasks or loss of key information. Careless attention to detail in handling of data may result in difficult-to-fix errors in the biological databases or plant specimens. Improper documentation of plant speci-mens may jeopardize the accuracy of the plant accession records, compromise the ef-ficient transfer of information, and impede local, national and international research using the garden's collections or databases.
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Graduation from a technical college or institute, such as B.C.I.T. An undergraduate degree in Botany (Master's preferred) or similar organismal biology program. 3 years relevant experience. A strong background in temperate plant systematics and plant identification. Experience with the collection, documentation and vouchering of plant tissues and plant specimens. Proven ability to lead the development of specimen-based collections. Photographic experience in relation to documentation of organismal morphology. Experience and organizational skills in working with large amounts of disparate image and textual data. Experience with entering biological data into databases. Experience with photo processing software and standard office software. Knowledge of biodiversity database applications and biodiversity data standards. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Good manual dexterity. Ability to work outdoors.
UBC hires on the basis of merit is committed to employment equity, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.


Job ID: 5087
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: CUPE 116(Service/Techs/Trades)
Job Category: Research/Technical - CUPE 116
Classification Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Business Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Department: Fac.of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Salary: $41,040.00 (Annual)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Desired Start Date: 2009/04/15
Job End Date: 2010/04/14
Funding Type: Grant Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/05
Available Openings: 1
Job Summary
To perform in vitro and invivo studies involving experimental animals (mice) and cell/molecular biology techniques for diabetes research projects and to collaborate in the day-to-day operations of the biomedical diabetes research laboratory.
Organizational Status
The successful applicant will report to the principal investigator and work closely with other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students in a biomedical research laboratory.
Work Performed
Caring and breeding of animals; isolating and preparing pancreatic islets; transplanting islets into diabetic mice, performing assessments of glucose homeostasis in rodents; determining glucose and hormone levels, participating in design of experiments; performing data analysis; maintaining records; performing minor rodent surgeries; performing injections, blood sampling, and administration of drugs; feeding and weighing rodents; producing specialized reagents for experiments; sampling and performing genotyping PCR; cell culture; and other related duties. Assists with financial and administrative aspects of the laboratory. Will assist principal investigator with supervision of other laboratory staff and students. Is responsible for calibration and maintenance of instrumentation. Will serve as co-signatore for lab purchases (reagents and daily lab supplies, etc.). Reconciles laboratory expenditures on financial record sheets to ensure accuracy. Is responsible for maintaining laboratory records (including disposal and chemical inventory). Works closely with Principal Investigator and other members of the laboratory to ensure research project goals are met and the work environment is safe by ensuring all personnel comply with established biosafety and WHMIS standards. Working Conditions: The successful applicant will work in a new Biomedical Diabetes Research Laboratory located in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. This work routinely involves work with experimental animals (mice). These studies involve handling of biochemicals and organic solvents. All employees must successfully complete the Chemical, Biological safety courses and Animal care course offered by UBC.
Supervision Received
The successful applicant will be supervised by the Principal Investigator.
Supervision Given
The successful applicant will assist with the supervision of other laboratory personnel (graduate students, junior research technicians, etc.).
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failure to recognize sick animals could result in the death of valuable transgenic mice and consequent loss of valuable mouse lines and data. Mishandling of valuable pancreatic tissues or inaccuracy in record-keeping may result in the loss of samples and time, greatly increasing the costs and time required to complete experiments. Failure to carry out assays correctly would result in lost or unusable data from experiments.
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Graduation from a technical college or institute, such as B.C.I.T. B.Sc. (M.Sc preferred) in biological sciences plus mimimum of three years of related technical experience in physiology, animal studies, molecular/cell biology, or a related discipline. 3 years relevant experience. Experience in animal studies, diabetes research, and islet biology is an asset. Experience handling and performing studies on small rodents especially mice. Experience in PCR and cell culture. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to learn new technical procedures and understand new concepts. Effective computer skills and experience with software programs. Ability to maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and data files. Ability to perform data analysis of experiments and preparation of data figures.
UBC hires on the basis of merit is committed to employment equity, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

Job ID: 5081
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: CUPE 116(Service/Techs/Trades)
Job Category: Dental Assistants - CUPE 116
Classification Title: Dental Assistant 3
Business Title: Dental Assistant 3
Department: Dental Clinic
Salary: $19.85 (Hourly)
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Desired Start Date: 2009/04/06
Job End Date: 2009/05/29
Funding Type: Self Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/05
Available Openings: 1
Job Summary
This position is being created to facilitate with Dental Hygiene Program.
Organizational Status
This position- Dental Assistant III would report to Kathy Pitt and Miriam Dexter - Dental Assistant IV, who reports to the Clinic Manager- Dr. Andrea Esteves, who reports to the Assistant Dean- Dr. Lex MacNeil, who reports to the Dean- Dr. Charles Shuler.
Work Performed
Supervises and coordinates the work of lower classification level of Dental Assistants as required. To assist faculty members, integrated dental practioners and students at chair side. Setting up instruments and equipment for dental procedures. Assisting in the dispensary with the disinfection and sterilization of supplies and instruments. Dispensing of supplies and materials to Hygiene and Dental students. Informing faculty, patients and students of existing protocols and procedures. Cleaning cubicles, dispensaries, and lab areas. Performing other related tasks as required. Would work in the dispensary's (Room 218), main clinic. Work around sink area, sterilizers and ultrasonic units. Lighting is good; floor is concrete, some anti-fatigue matting throughout. Hazards- instrument cassettes are heavy, lifting of cassettes involved, and loading and unloading of trolleys. Special mask to be worn when using Assistina unit. Very hot temperatures in the sterilizers, proper mitts to be worn when unloading. Disinfection solutions are varied- phenol, glutaraldehyde, isopropyl alcohol- gloves to be worn. Handling of used instrument cassettes could be hazardous.
Supervision Received
Would be supervised by a team of Dental Assistant IV's.
Supervision Given
Supervises Dental Assistant II's and Tech II's.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work would be checked by a Dental Assistant IV. If an error occurred, possible damage to handpieces, instruments and equipment. If incorrect decisions were made it would impact on the clinic functioning properly the next day. Proper sterilization and disinfection is vital to patient care and student curriculum requirements.
Qualifications
High School graduation and B.C. Dental Assistant Certification and Current Licence. Completion of dental assistant program. 4 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to effectively use computers and computer software. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to gather, record, and organize information . Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work in a team environment.
UBC hires on the basis of merit is committed to employment equity, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.


Job ID: 5077
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: Technicians & Research Assists
Job Category: Research/Technical - Non Union
Classification Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Business Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Department: Audiology & Speech Sciences
Salary: $20.21 - $22.04 (Hourly)
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Desired Start Date: 2009/04/03
Job End Date: 2009/12/31
Funding Type: Grant Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/02
Available Openings: 1
Job Summary
The goal of this program of research is to develop and test Mandarin translations/adaptations of two survey instruments to assess Chinese and Chinese-Canadian dementia caregivers' perceptions of and reactions to daily communication challenges. The function of this RA position is to carry out under the supervision of the principal investigator and co-investigators research activities related to investigator team development and preparation of material for developing a CIHR research grant application.
Organizational Status
The research assistant will report weekly and directly to the project supervisors (the principal investigator and/or co-investigators).
Work Performed
The research assistant will receive training by the supervisors and be responsible to them for the following activities: · co-ordinating networking among researchers and community partners · conduct a literature search and synthesis targeting both the conceptual and methodological foci of the proposed research. This would include immigration, acculturation, and ethnocultural continuum as they relate to communication and caregiving in dementia in particular and caregiving in aging more broadly, as well as cross-cultural issues in instrument design and translation. · Assist in development of grant applications The assistant will work with other research assistants in research spaces in the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences (Friedman, room 404). Dr. Small's laboratory has desk space and computers, good illumination, and no known hazards.
Supervision Received
The assistant will report directly to the supervisors. The position requires considerable independent work as well as joint work with the supervisors at regular intervals.
Supervision Given
The supervisors will determine priorities, assign work and review the assistant's work.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position will require exercising judgment in conducting a scholarly literature search and synthesis, interacting with existing and prospective investigative team members, and gathering information for the development of grant applications. Once trained by the supervisors, the assistant will be responsible for making day-to-day decisions about the work performed. Important decisions (e.g., scope of literature review on a particular topic; appropriate community partner contacts) will be made in consultation with the principal investigator, who will regularly check in with the assistant. Decisions made without consultation with supervisors could result in miscommunication with prospective research partners and incomplete information for grant development.
Qualifications
High School graduation or Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute, such as B.C.I.T. Graduate work in Health and/or Social Sciences (e.g. nursing, gerontology, education, sociology, anthropology, psychology, speech sciences, linguistics, or a related discipline) preferred. 3 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous work and/or research experience involving literature review and synthesis, grant development. Experience using on-line literature database search engines (e.g., Medline, PsycInfo). Previous research experience with older adults and persons with dementia preferred. Ability to effectively use MS Word, Excel at an intermediate level. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to gather, record, and organize information . Ability to compose correspondence, reports, presentations, and other written materials using clear concise business English. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work in a team environment.
UBC hires on the basis of merit is committed to employment equity, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.



Job ID: 5074
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: Technicians & Research Assists
Job Category: Research/Technical - Non Union
Classification Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Business Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Department: Athletics and Recreation
Salary: $39,402.00 - $42,970.00 (Annual)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Ongoing: Yes
Desired Start Date:2009/04/06
Funding Type: Self Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/01
Available Openings: 1
Job Summary
Collaborates in providing facility support for Thunderbird Park including facility coordination, gym rentals, and varsity events and custodial and maintenance.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Senior Facilities Manager. Supervises select work-study student employee.
Work Performed
Financial Responsible for cash and bill collection for rentals and bookings for both contracted and non-contracted users. Responsible for accounts receivable through class booking systems. Assists in the preparation of the annual budget Operational Ensures the integrity of the facility and provides a safe and secure environment. Liaises with appropriate facility rental personnel and communicates with potential customers in rental of Thunderbird Park facilities. Liaises with Plant Operations and Camps Security. Inputs all administrative bookings via class booking system. Personnel Responsible for hiring, training, scheduling and supervising a small team of part-time student staff for facility supervision and for all varsity home games and events. Ensures University, work study program and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) game management policies and procedures are strictly followed and enforced. Ensures custodial staff meets prescribed cleaning standards. Facility Meets the operational needs of the facilities utilizing university systems for personnel, purchasing and reporting, including providing a written record of significant issues, remedies, actions and recommendations. Recommends to the Senior Facility Manager the need for any upgrading, maintenance and implementation of policies and procedures for the facility. In coordinating with facility rental personnel, coordinates scheduling all athletic department use at Thunderbird Park including practices, varsity games and special events (clinics, camps, tournaments) in compliance with University and Department policies. Coordinates emergency repair and cleaning at Thunderbird Park; maintains equipment inventory records, proper storage and repairs. Ensures the facility is safe for all staff, participants and the public before, during and after an event including training of all staff in emergency procedures (e.g. evacuation procedures) as well as conducting building safety instructions. Attends meetings, seminars, workshops and events as required by the Senior Facility Manager. Coordinates all non-department events at Thunderbird Park including organizing facility use, coordinating staffing needs and directing set-up / take down requirements; liaises with facility rental personnel regarding rental agreements and bookings at Thunderbird Park. With facility rental personnel, ensures that users receive a full schedule of information on War Memorial Gym, including design, access, use, scheduling fees, charges and limitations.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Senior Facilities Manager.
Supervision Given
2 to 5 part-time facility student staff; hires, trains, schedules and ensures established procedures are followed.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Department of Athletics and Recreation could lose significant income, damage the University's reputation and have a negative impact on clients as well as the student and residential community population. Equipment not properly and installed and building fixtures not properly maintained can cerate hazard and cause harm to users of Thunderbird Park. Inadequately trained staff could compromise the safety of the participants or the public if they do not perform tasks properly, thereby becoming a liability to the Department and the University and it could also affect the outcome of game or match resulting in a protest.
Qualifications
High School graduation or Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute, such as B.C.I.T. . 3 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in sport event or facility management . A basic knowledge of accounting procedures is required. Ability to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner. Ability to effectively resolve client complaints in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment. Business and systems development skills. Ability to foster business opportunities. Ability to explain, assign, and monitor work. Familiarity with sports facility and equipment. Familiarity with a variety of computer programs including word, excel and internet.
UBC hires on the basis of merit is committed to employment equity, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.


Job ID: 5073
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: CUPE 116(Service/Techs/Trades)
Job Category: Dental Assistants - CUPE 116
Classification Title: Dental Assistant 2
Business Title: Dental Assistant 2
Department: Dental Clinic
Salary: $18.88 (Hourly)
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Desired Start Date: 2009/04/06
Funding Type: Self Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/05
Available Openings: 1
Job Summary
This position is being created to work in the dispensary in the evenings, Monday through Friday to sterilize & disinfect clinical instruments and equipment. Its intent is to enhance the turn around time of instruments and equipment required in the smooth functioning of the undergraduate clinical program.
Organizational Status
This position- Dental Assistant II- Evening Shift, would report to Kathy Pitt- Dental Assistant IV, who reports to the Clinic Manager- Dr. Andrea Esteves, who reports to the Assistant Dean- Dr. Lex MacNeil, who reports to the Dean- Dr. Charles Shuler From 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.- interaction with all other staff- dental assistant IIs, IIIs, and IVs. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - minimal staff on shift
Work Performed
HANDPIECE PROCESSING- Wipe down each of the 5 components of the used handpiece cassettes, then place each piece onto its corresponding Assistina- Lubricating & Cleaning Machine. Remove the 5 components from the Assistina and put back into cassette, then place onto the steam trolley for sterilization. Load steam oven, start steam sterilization cycle, unload when done and place onto appropriate shelf. BUR PROCESSING- Remove used bur blocks from paper bag, place into the ultrasonic cleaner for 30 mins. Remove, rinse, dry and re-bag and tape. Place onto steam trolley for sterilization. Start sterilizer and unload when done. COLD DISINFECTION- Load items into the cold disinfection bath, time for 30 mins, unload and rinse when done. Put all items into appropriate bins to dry off. Dry off any disinfected items on counter as required. CASSETTE PROCESSING- Move instrument cassettes in and out of 3 dishwashers units, 2 dry heat ovens, and 3 steam sterilizers. This involves the use of trolleys and physical labour; including lifting, bending, standing, scrubbing, rinsing. Setting of timers on different sterilizers required. DISPENSING- Dispensing Materials and Instruments to Dental and Hygiene Students. Would work 100% in the dispensary area- Room 218. Work around sink area, sterilizers and ultrasonic units. Lighting is good, floor is concrete, some anti-fatigue matting throughout. Hazards- instrument cassettes are heavy, lifting of cassettes involved, and loading and unloading of trolleys. Special mask to be worn when using Assistina unit. Very hot temperatures in the sterilizers, proper mitts to be worn when unloading. Disinfection solutions are varied- phenol, glutaraldehyde, isopropyl alcohol- gloves to be worn. Handling of used instrument cassettes could be hazardous if it popped open and an instrument punctured the skin- but this is very unlikey to happen. Steam sterilizers run at 274 degrees, if it malfunctioned after 5:00 p.m. they would have to call Trouble Calls on campus for assistance. (Our in house technicians leave at 5:00 p.m.)
Supervision Received
5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.- would work under minimal supervision from a Dental Assistant III or IV. 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.- would work with minimal staff present - no supervision. ( Some clinic functions have ended for the day, work performed would be identical to work done from 5:00-5:30 )
Supervision Given
None- would not have to supervise anyone, self supervision from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work would be checked by a Dental Assistant III or IV from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on their own- no supervision given. If an error occurred, possible damage to handpieces, instruments and equipment. If incorrect decisions were made it would impact on the clinic functioning properly the next day. Proper sterilization and disinfection is vital to patient care and student curriculum requirements.
Qualifications
High School graduation and completion of dental assistant program, B.C. dental assistant certification and current licence. . 2 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Emphasis placed on preparing and processing instruments for sterilization and disinfection. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
UBC hires on the basis of merit is committed to employment equity, and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.


Job ID: 5066
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: Technicians & Research Assists
Job Category: Research/Technical - Non Union
Classification Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Business Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Department: Psychiatry
Salary: $39,402.00 - $42,970.00 (Annual)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Desired Start Date: 2009/06/01
Funding Type: Grant Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/01
Available Openings: 1
Job Summary
To conduct complex research activities in the research lab of Dr. Peter Reiner and to collaborate with the rest of the staff in the lab and at collaborating institutions. The research focuses on ethical, sociocultural and neuropsychiatric aspects of cognitive enhancement.
Organizational Status
Works under the general supervision of Prof. Reiner.
Work Performed
To conduct research activities under the supervision of Dr. Peter Reiner in the National Core for Neuroethics. Duties include performing: - assisting with the design and development of the experiments and surveys with co-investigators - subject testing - statistical data analyses - modifying a database - presenting posters &/or talks at scientific meetings - manuscript preparation - adding & retrieving entries in a bibliographic database (Endnote) - PsychInfo & Medline searches - Coordinating team meetings involving research and grant writing - data entry - other related tasks Furnished, bright lab space in the Koerner Pavilion on the UBC Point Grey campus. Environment varies from quiet with minimal activity to busy with lots of people in the office area. Some travel to other locations for subject testing may be needed.
Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of Prof. Reiner. Receives instructions for new assignments and for changes in procedures.
Supervision Given
None.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors would have serious consequences. Accuracy is very important.
Qualifications
High School graduation or Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute, such as B.C.I.T. Postgraduate training preferred. 3 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in neuroscience, psychology, or related experimental environment. Experience in drafting surveys for testing. Ability to effectively use MS-Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint at an intermediate level. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail. Ability to gather, record, and organize information . Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.


Job ID: 5057
Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus
Employment Group: CUPE 116(Service/Techs/Trades)
Job Category: Research/Technical - CUPE 116
Classification Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Business Title: Research Asst/Tech 3
Department: Microbiology
Salary: $40,176.00 (Annual)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Desired Start Date: 2009/04/01
Funding Type: Grant Funded
Closing Date: 2009/04/05
Available Openings: 1
Job Summary
Will perform and analyze the results of molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology and tissue culture experiments. Generate and manipulate viral vectors for gene delivery into primary cells. Will be responsible for lab organization tasks such as keeping the lab neat and organized, maintaining lab equipment, ordering supplies, tracking orders and finance statements, maintenance of mouse colony and ensuring efficient usage of mice. Makes stock solutions and supervises undergraduate students tasked with various lab maintenance duties.
Organizational Status
Reports directly to faculty member for experiments and for lab organizational tasks. Will supervise undergraduate work/study students or volunteers.
Work Performed
Performs experiments involving standard molecular biology, biochemical, immunological and tissue culture techniques with guidance from the faculty member. Analyze and present findings to researcher and other lab members. Production and handling of BSL2 hazard lenti/retroviral vector and delivery to primary cells. All techniques to be performed by defined protocols and will directly relate to ongoing research in the lab. Mouse colony maintenance: taking ear punch or tail biopsies for genomic DNA extraction, performing PCR genotyping and interacting with animal care staff on breeding, weaning and animal health issues. Perform transplants by tail vein injections, perform intraperitoneal injections and train other lab personnel on these procedures. Ordering equipment, reagents and supplies: Placing phone and/or written orders for lab supplies either directly to the companies or through UBC purchasing; using computer to keep records of ordering; keeping track of supply inventory; tracks and reconciles expenditures; unpacking lab supplies and putting them in proper places. Record keeping: Using computer to maintain and update records of lab supplies, ordering, and expenditures. Lab maintenance and organization: Responsible for the care and maintenance of lab equipment; ensuring that the lab is kept clean and organized; assigns basic maintenance tasks to students and volunteers. Growing and maintaining mammalian tissue culture cells: making tissue culture medium; performing sterile tissue culture; maintaining tissue culture incubators and Coulter counter. Making standard laboratory solutions to be used in experiments by all lab members.
Supervision Received
Experiments done under general supervision of faculty member. Written and/or verbal protocols for all procedures will be given. Once familiar with the techniques, there will be minimal supervision, unless needed.
Supervision Given
1-2 undergraduate students may be assigned for supervision. This includes training for suitable tasks, ensuring safe and rigorous work-ethic, and scheduling their hours.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work to be checked by faculty member. Frequent discussion of tasks and results with faculty member. If an error occurred, other experiments performed by lab members might not work properly. Valuable reagents, mouse line integrity, research time, and money would be lost. BSL2 hazard requires proper adherence to safe practices or may risk infection by replication-incompetent virus that may not be harmless.
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Graduation from a technical college or institute, such as B.C.I.T. . 3 years relevant experience. Ability to analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide recommendations. Ability to make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions. Ability to use Macintosh computers. Good practical laboratory skills.