Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 5
Job Title
ACMaN Research Assistant/Technician 5
Department
Core Research Technologies | BC Children's Hospital Research Institute | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$6,088.24 - $6,966.27 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
June 26, 2025
Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Jul 20, 2026
This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.
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.
At BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment. We do not tolerate racism, sexism, misogyny, discrimination, or any form of harassment. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities who share our values of equity, integrity, and respect.
Job Summary
The primary focus of the Research Technician is to support the research activities of the Analytical Core for Metabolomics and Nutrition (ACMaN) at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR). The Research Technician will perform highly skilled technical tasks requiring extensive education, training and experience in the area of Metabolomics and Nutrition. The Research Technician must have the ability, knowledge, and experience to support technical and analytical work using ACMaN’s gas chromatographs, liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, immunoanalyzers and sample preparation equipment. ACMaN is a busy laboratory and analyzes approximately 4,000 samples per year and develops new analytical methods for investigators with novel research projects.
The incumbent is expected to keep abreast of techniques and developments in their area of expertise. Exceptional organizational skills, as well as a high degree of motivation, enthusiasm, and initiative are required for this position.
Organizational Status
The BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) is located at the BC Children’s Hospital. The research community based at the BCCHR is comprised mostly of UBC faculty, staff, and students. The BCCHR conducts discovery, translational and clinical research to benefit the health of children and their families. The BCCHR is supported by BC Children's Hospital Foundation and works in close partnership with BC Children's Hospital (BCCH), the Provincial Health Services Authority and its agencies, and the University of British Columbia.
Reports to the Core Research Services Facilities Manager and has a dotted reporting line to the Scientific Director(s) of the ACMaN facility.
Work Performed
- Operates and maintains all ACMaN core equipment, including quality control and calibration, pre-emptive maintenance, software upgrades, and service request arrangements to keep services fully functional in a timely manner.
- Develops and manages research project timelines, ensures projects are implemented and delivered within specified timelines and work plans; monitors workflow and reports on progress; develops, coordinates and implements/oversees data collection protocols.
- Provides direction, training, mentoring, and support to the ACMaN junior staff.
- Provides substantial and direct intellectual contributions at various stages of research projects, including advice on experimental designs, technical consultation for small molecules and metabolites analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript reviews, some of which leads to joint authorship of scientific papers.
- Continually updates relevant skills, current techniques and developments in the field and provides corresponding educations to researchers and students in the core facility. This includes attending core-related scientific meetings and seminars.
- Continually develops standard operating procedures to increase efficiency, accuracy, and ability to assess new compounds.
- Performs administrative tasks that include but are not limited to ensuring booking and tracking systems are working correctly for core equipment, verifying monthly billing items, updating information on the centralized booking system; purchasing consumables for the core facility; data and file management; help with advertising and website updates.
- Along with Core Facilities Business Manager and Scientific Director(s), liaises with other internal and external technical experts to build relationships, shares expertise, and collaborates to provide a variety of services beyond a single facility.
- Contributes to leading edge reports to support decision-making, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement; assists in technical writing in funding applications (e.g. BCCH, UBC, CFI) for upgrade or new equipment purchases.
- Provides insight on enhancing core experience including changes in workflow, new equipment purchases, and evaluation of equipment donation to the core and overall scientific direction and growth of the Core Facility.
- Develops and organizes educational and promotional events such as workshops, seminars and courses including coordination of event logistics, management of attendees, presentations and engagement, and may include preparation and delivery of educational materials.
- Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Assistant/Technician is responsible for coordination and management of all day-to-day activities related to the ACMaN Core. Failure to plan or follow up on initiatives and poor judgment or errors dealing with such matters would have an adverse effect on the research productivity and operational management of the Core. Ability to work collaboratively and exercise sound judgment in dealing with administrative matters where there are no established policies, procedures or guidelines is essential. Failure to act in a professional, tactful manner would have an adverse effect on campus and community relations.
Errors in the management of research accounts, as well as errors in reporting procedures, could result in a waste of financial resources, non-renewal of research funding, or loss of currently held funding. Inadequate documentation, organization, communication, and planning may adversely affect the image and reputation of the Core, or the BCCHRI.
Supervision Received
For the most part, the Research Technician will work independently and will receive direction, as necessary, from the Core Research Services Facilities Manager and the Scientific Director(s).
Supervision Given
May have supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees at lower classifications. Provides training and support to trainees and other staff.
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
- Graduate degree (PhD or equivalent) 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.
- Computer knowledge is essential, MS Excel, Word.
- Experience in using and developing assays for analytical equipment including but not limited to GC mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography such as GCMS/MS, LCMS/MS and LCQTOF.
- Ability to learn independently, research new processes, develop and validate new assays.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadline.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement.
- Ability to exercise initiative, diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
- Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.
- Ability to identify, obtain, and effectively manage organizational resources.
- Ability to work in a team environment and work independently with minimal supervision.