Staff - Union
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Laboratory Technician in Molecular Fish Biology
Department
Research | Schluter | Department of Zoology | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
June 30, 2025
Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Jul 31, 2026
This is a part-time 53.5% FTE leave replacement position for 12 months with possibility of extension. The compensation range displayed is of full time. Salary for this position will be pro-rated for 53.5% FTE.
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
Apart-timetechnicianisrequired in July2025 for 12 months(withthepossibilityof extension). Work will includeDNA extractions, lab and field experiments on fishes, sample analysis, organizing field trips, ordering supplies, maintaining lab equipment in good working order, assisting graduate students, supervising undergraduate assistants, and all aspects of fish care including reporting. This is a leave replacement position. Project is funded by NSERC.
Organizational Status
Position reports directly to the PI on a weekly basis and in case of emergency. The technician will also work closely with graduate students and postdocs. Reports to the Administrator, Zoology, for administrative matters.
Work Performed
-Establishes and maintains lab cultures of fish; tasks will include monitoring water quality and fish health, cleaning aquariums and tools, identify gravid females and perform artificial crosses of fish; raise larval fish from crosses to maturity; assist with fish euthanasia; maintain brood stocks
-Ensures full lab compliance with safety and animal care and welfare standards.
-Writes lab protocols for animal care and other procedures.
-Organizes logistics, scheduling, and personnel for multi-day field research trips.
-Molecular biology procedures, including DNA extractions and NanoDrop spectrophotometric quantification, DNA library construction, and CRISPR injection of fish embryos.
-Conducts genetic crosses and assists with crossing experimental design.
-Assists with experiments in the lab by checking on experiments and conducting routine measurements, identifying problems and solutions.
-Lifting and transporting aquaria and other equipment.
-Maintains equipment in the lab and lab vehicle.
-Assists lab researchers with lab and experiment-related tasks.
-Train and delegate tasks to volunteers and undergraduate student assistants working in the lab.
-Data management.
-Maintains supplies and manages orders.
-Performed other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors could delay the overall progress of the project and cause loss of research materials. It is expected to exercised initiative and judgement in solving problems, keeping PI informed. Major problems are referred to the PI. Guidelines will be established by the PI.
Supervision Received
Receives instructions during orientation, thereafter on new assignments or changes in procedures. WorkissubjecttocheckbythePI.Errorsandincorrect decisions will be followed up by further training.
Supervision Given
Train,overseeanddirecttheworkofundergraduateresearchassistantsandvolunteersworking in the lab. Is responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of their work.
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
University degree (MSc or BSc or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in Biological Sciences or a relatedfield that includes statistics and writing courses and demonstrated scientific writing. Thefollowing experience is required: knowledge of PCR and genotyping and experience troubleshooting reaction conditions;experiencemeasuring fish specimens; experience breeding and caring for fish; experience in field collection methods for aquatic organisms. Experience with CRISPR injections of embryos is an asset. Good interpersonal skills are required. Candidate will be required to take CCACcourseontheprinciplesofanimalcareandtheethicalissuesinvolvedinanimaluse,and Laboratory Safety courses. The work needs accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and work alone.Demonstrated ability to reliably carry out instructions without ongoing directions, within a team environment. Strong communication skills, a good work ethic, and regular work habits are required. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own. Ability to drive a pickup truck.
