Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Research Assistant/Technician 3
Department
Cullis Laboratory | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
July 10, 2025
Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Jul 31, 2026
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 Cullis and Russell Labs at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver Point Grey Campus) are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Research Assistant/Technician (Level 3) to support in vivo experiments in mice related to infectious disease research and cancer biology. For this reason, the candidate must be comfortable handling live mice and prior experience in these skills is an asset. The candidate may receive additional specific animal procedures training, as necessary.
The Cullis Lab specializes in lipid nanoparticle technology, exploring its applications in drug delivery, gene therapy, cancer, aging, and immunology. The Russell lab focuses on infectious diseases, aiming to develop innovative treatments for serious bacterial infections causing pneumonia and sepsis. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across both research groups, reporting directly to a senior research associate or the respective principal investigators.
Organizational Status
The Research Assistant will report directly to the Principal Investigator(s), Dr. Pieter Cullis and Dr. Jim Russell, with supervision provided by senior research associates working in the respective groups.
Work Performed
Assist senior lab members with planning and performing complex animal techniques, including minor surgical procedures, sample collection and development of new methods
Maintain accurate experimental records and documentation (e.g., animal monitoring sheets, health reports, cage cards) and write detailed reports and summary documents
Perform euthanasia and assists with blood collection procedures in live mice (saphenous bleeds) and tissue collection at necropsy
Conduct routine in vitro assays, media preparation, and tissue culture activities under supervision
Ensure compliance with lab safety and animal welfare guidelines, coordinating and enforcing laboratory safety protocols
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failure to maintain a high standard of work with consistent communication between team members and the supervisors will result in delays and quality of research output, which may impact the working conditions, reputation, and funding for the research group and UBC.
Supervision Received
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to work under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policies and procedures.
Supervision Given
May have supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees and/or students at lower classifications and may have input into staff selection and performance evaluation.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum four 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
Diploma or BSc in a relevant scientific discipline
At least 3 years of experience in in vivo research and rodent handling
Proficiency in animal handling techniques, including restraint and standard manipulations (e.g., SC, IV, IP, IM, PO) is an asset
Completion of UBC animal care training and lab rodent course (or equivalent)
Familiarity with animal infection models and/or cancer models preferred
Experience in routine laboratory practices, including in vitro assay preparation and basic data analysis, is desirable
Competence in tissue culture techniques is beneficial
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Familiarity with standard word processing and spreadsheet software
Ability to manage tasks effectively within specific timelines; flexibility required for animal experiments and monitoring outside normal working hours
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with openness to diverse perspectives and continuous personal and professional development in these areas
