• Job Description

  Req#: JR21045
  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

  Subramaniam Laboratory | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Faculty of Medicine

  Compensation Range

  $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly

  Posting End Date

  June 5, 2025

  Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

  Job End Date

  Jun 30, 2026

  This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

  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

  We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Tech 3 to support PROGENITER, a multi-year research program to develop therapeutics that target infectious diseases at an accelerated pace. The successful candidate will be responsible for the production and purification of proteins and protein complexes of interest to the research program and will be closely involved in testing of protein activity using a variety of in vitro and cell-based assays. We are looking for a dynamic and self-motivated team player who thrives in a fast-paced and challenging lab environment.
  

  Organizational Status

  PROGENITER is a University of British Columbia-affiliated, nationally recognized, multi-year research program to enable the rapid design, engineering, and production of antibody leads against present and future viral diseases to ensure Canada is better prepared for the next pandemic. PROGENITER is a key component of Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH). Our interdisciplinary team of researchers, students, staff, and industry partners work together to discover, test, and advance therapeutics that target infectious diseases at an accelerated pace. This mission aligns with CIEBH’s vision for rapidly responding to new health threats and Canada’s national pandemic preparedness strategy (BLSS).

  
  The incumbent will report to Dr Sriram Subramaniam, the Director of PROGENITER and will work closely with the other members of the research team, including Research Technicians, Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Students.
  
  Work Performed

  • Perform protein purification using techniques such as affinity chromatography, SEC, IEX, and preparation of samples for subsequent analysis

  • Perform protein characterization using techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, plate reader-based biochemical assays

  • Carry out biophysical experiments to measure antibody binding using DSF, BLI, SPR instruments and in addition, coordinate maintenance, monitoring and calibration of the instruments

  • Communicate with proficiency and analyze and interpret biochemical/biophysical/cryo-EM data

  • Maintain contracts with equipment manufacturers, and coordinating repairs with vendors and suppliers

  • Help as needed with ordering laboratory supplies and maintain purchasing records

  • Assist with organizing laboratory infrastructure and supplies and maintain up-to-date inventories

  • Maintain an inventory of standard operating procedures for research methodology with support from lab scientists

  • Responsible for the daily operations of the research laboratory, personnel training and onboarding and communicating lab safety guidelines

  • Ship hazardous and non-hazardous reagents in accordance with TDG regulations

  • Perform any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

  
  Consequence of Error/Judgement
  Failure to maintain a high standard of work and consistent communication between team members and the supervisors will result in project delays and affect the quality of research output, which may impact working conditions, reputation, and funding for the research group and UBC.
  Failure to follow all applicable safety precautions, including a thorough risk assessment before conducting an experiment, may result in serious injury to the incumbent and others in the surrounding area.
  
  Supervision Received
  Once trained, the technician is expected to work independently, following established protocols, but in close communication with other team members. Dr. Sriram Subramaniam will supervise the technician.
  
  Supervision Given
  The technician is not required to supervise anyone.
  
  Minimum Qualifications
  - 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 in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute.

  A degree in biology/biotechnology/biochemistry is preferred. Minimum of 3 years of general biological lab experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with the following is preferred:

  
  - PCR and cloning techniques, including bacterial transformation and plasmid purification
  - Aseptic techniques for handling bacterial and mammalian cell cultures
  - Basic experience with protein purification and characterization
  - Familiarity with mammalian cell line culturing is a plus
  - Experience with transient expression of plasmids in mammalian cell lines is a plus
  - Familiarity with plate-based luminescent/fluorescent assays is a plus
  - Aptitude for learning new technologies, including instrumentation and software
  - Ability to prioritize work and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
  - Excellent oral and written communication skills
  - Demonstration of detailed record-keeping and data documentation
  - Strong interpersonal skills, including maintaining professional working relationships within a diverse research group.
  - Computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office)

  - A minimum of 3 years related research experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• About the company

  25306 The University of British Columbia is a public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia.

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