Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
de Boer Labs - Research Assistant/Technician 3
Department
de Boer Laboratory | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
July 9, 2025
Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Jun 30, 2026
How to Apply
Candidates should provide a CV, names and contact information of 3 references, and a cover letter describing past achievements and future research interests. Please submit your applications directly through the UBC portal.
For any inquiries regarding this position, please contact Dr. Carl de Boer (carl.deboer@ubc.ca).
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
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 UBC Faculties of Medicine and Applied Science have partnered to create the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME). The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. Its vision is to transform health care outcomes through unconstrained exploration of the best possible integrative solutions across engineering, medicine, and biology. Through collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary approach and building on UBC academic and research excellence, the School of Biomedical Engineering aspires to be a global leader in biomedical engineering research, education and translation. The SBME has two locations on Vancouver, British Columbia’s campus: the Gordon B Shrum building and the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) For more information about the School of Biomedical Engineering, please visit https://www.bme.ubc.ca/
A temporary full-time Research Assistant/Technician 3 position is available within the de Boer Lab (https://deboer.bme.ubc.ca/) located at the UBC’s Vancouver campus in the Gordon B Shrum building. Possibility of extension is dependent on availability of research funds and performance. Our lab’s goal is to build our understanding of genome regulation to the point where we can predict gene regulation from DNA sequence alone, enabling us to predict how mutations in the genome alter gene regulation and result in disease. Much of our experimental work aims to create ideal datasets for learning how to go from DNA sequence to gene regulation.
The primary goals of the Research Assistant/Technician 3 are to create mammalian cell libraries containing different synthetic regulatory DNA sequences. This includes developing induced pluripotent stem cell lines and measuring the regulatory activity of queried DNA. The incumbent will perform highly skilled tasks such as the optimization and scaling up of mammalian cell transfections and other cellular and molecular biology techniques as required.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Principal Investigator and is supervised by senior researchers in the lab.
Responsibilities
Performs complex experiments involving mammalian cell culture either independently or in collaboration with other lab members, including: human pluripotent stem cell maintenance, expansion, and characterization.
Assists senior level staff in planning, organizing, and troubleshooting projects and participating in complex research activities, including:
1. Genetic engineering of mammalian cells, optimizing and scaling up mammalian cell transfection protocols
2. Next generation sequencing
3. Handling high molecular weight DNA
4. Standard molecular and cell biology techniques such as PCR, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, microscopy, cloning, isolation/extraction and characterization of DNA, RNA, gel electrophoresis, etc.
Conducts complex data analysis with minimal supervision.
Writes reports, presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the writing of publications and grant applications.
Provides training to undergraduate students, new and lower-level technicians in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.
Coordinates, monitors and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Makes professional decisions and recommendations on all aspects of research work. Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have a significant impact on the effectiveness, reputation, collaboration, and financial status of the research project. Inappropriate judgment could result in fundamental flaws in the research results, in funding shortfalls for research grants or contracts, and loss of future research partnerships.
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision of senior researchers, with additional guidance from the Principal Investigator. Receives specific instructions only on unusual problems or matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.
Supervision Given
May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees at lower classifications in which case they are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.
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
Candidates with a background in molecular biology or a related field are preferred.
The successful candidate will be a passionate, self-driven, independent thinker with excellent organizational, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic.
Preference will be given to candidates who have skills in mammalian cell culture, particularly stem cell culture.
Other preferred skills include: NGS sequencing, molecular cloning, handling high molecular weight DNA, flow cytometry, and genome editing.
