1 UBC research jobs Sep 17, 2009

Job Posting Job ID: 6207 Location: Vancouver - Point Grey Campus Employment Group: Technicians & Research Assists Job Category: Research/Technical - Non Union Classification Title: Research Asst/Tech 4 Business Title: Research Asst/Tech 4 Department: Animal Care Centre Salary: $46,003.00 - $50,020.00 (Annual) Full/Part Time: Full-Time Ongoing: Yes Desired Start Date: 09/28/2009 Funding Type: Budget Funded Closing Date: 10/08/2009 Available Openings: 1 Return to Previous Page Job Summary To organize and perform cryopreservation and rederivation, and provide transgenic services for the UBC Rederivation Facility and the Transgenic Core at the Centre for Disease Modeling. Major responsibilities include: performing microinjection of mouse embryos to produce transgenic strains of mice; applying specialized knowledge to the cryopreservation, rederivation and in-vitro fertilization programs of transgenic and knockout strains of mice; providing advice on rederivation/cryopreservation programs; performing tissue culture and embryonic stem cell culture and manipulation; performing surgical techniques including embryo implantation and vasectomy; performing PCR and other laboratory techniques; performing tissue biopsies and blood collection; managing and maintaining mouse breeding colonies; performing animal husbandry; assisting with pathogen testing and sentinel program development and maintenance; assisting with staff training; assisting with developing and teaching related courses and workshops to staff and students; ensuring maintenance of detailed files and databases; assisting with the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures; trouble-shooting procedures and techniques; maintaining, testing and trouble-shooting equipment; purchasing of equipment and supplies; keeping abreast of new technologies and developing new programs; participating in meetings and information sessions; presenting information to users and staff; assisting with facility and program set-up and ongoing development; performing other related duties. This position supports the Preclinical Research Consortium. Organizational Status This position reports to the Manager of the Rederivation Facility. Work Performed 1. Perform cryopreservation and rederivation techniques on mouse and rat embryos, including harvesting and culture of various stages of mouse embryos 2. Perform microinjection on mouse embryos to produce transgenic and knockout strains of mice 3. Perform surgery on mice and rats, including embryo implantation and vasectomy 4. Perform in-vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive procedures in mice and rats 5. Perform PCR and other laboratory techniques 6. performing tissue culture and embryonic stem cell culture and manipulation 7. Perform tissue biopsies and blood collection 8. Perform mouse colony maintenance including husbandry, breeding and ordering of stock 9. Maintain a detailed database and keep accurate records 10. Participate in quality control procedures 11. Participate in meetings and information sessions 12. Collaborate in development and maintenance of standard operating procedures 13. Collaborate in developing courses, workshops and training programs for staff and students 14. Keep abreast of new technologies and develop new programs 15. Perform administrative duties such as scheduling experiments and ordering equipment and supplies 16. Maintaining, testing and trouble-shooting complex equipment requiring extensive training 17. Assist with new lab and facility set up and maintenance 18. Oversees the progress of projects and participates in complex research activities 19. Perform other related duties Supervision Received The incumbent will work closely with the Manager of the Rederivation Facility to ensure operational success. Once properly trained, they will work largely independently and under limited supervision. Work will be reviewed by objectives. Supervision Given The position includes delegation of duties, review of assigned tasks and training of new employees. Consequence of Error/Judgement The candidate must exercise judgment in numerous situations. They will be responsible for working in accordance with all SOPs within the facility and ensuring other staff do the same. They must exercise judgment in regards to prioritizing tasks and coordinating rederivation and cryopreservation for multiple strains of mice using multiple programs. They must also prioritize and schedule transgenic services for multiple investigators. Trouble-shooting these procedures is a large part of the position. This position will also be responsible for helping to organize the daily work schedules for junior technicians to ensure successful transgenic and rederivation/cryopreservation programs. They will also make decisions regarding animal health and welfare, such as when to seek veterinary assistance. This position will also participate in training of new staff and developing, implementing and teaching courses and workshops on transgenic techniques. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may seriously impact the success of the Rederivation Facility leading to increased expenses and time loss. Additionally, inappropriate judgment may also have detrimental consequences in regards to animal and human health and welfare. Qualifications Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute, such as B.C.I.T. University degree or AHT plus minimum four years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of experience and education. CALAS certification at the RLAT level preferred. 4 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of cryopreservation, rederivation and transgenic techniques preferred. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to prioritize and perform technically demanding techniques. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. Ability to organize multiple tasks and complex experiments. Ability to lift and carry up to 25kg. Ability to work occasional weekends, evenings and statutory holidays. Ability to work at multiple locations within UBC. Computer experience required. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. UBC is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Return to Previous Page