Research Technician 3

Job End Date
Apr 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
This position provides technical laboratory assistance to existing students and research project-driven techniques in the Bernatchez lab at St. Paul’s Hospital’s Centre for Heart Lung Innovation. Responsible for the preparation, set-up and carrying out of experiments for the projects investigating lipid metabolism in muscular dystrophy under the direction of lab Principal Investigator (PI) and project manager. The muscular dystrophy projects are designed to unfold pathogenic mechanisms of disease, as well as to develop advanced pre-clinical models and provide data evidence for novel therapies/therapeutic targets. Experiments requiring assistance include animal work, blood/tissue collection and processing, histological analyses, data and imaging analyses, and cell culture. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to monthly progress reports, animal husbandry and strain management.

Organizational Status
Works under the supervision of and reports directly to the PI who is leading the above-mentioned program.

Work Performed
Responsible for the preparation, set-up and carrying out of experiments for the projects investigating lipid metabolism in muscular dystrophy
Project Related Experiments and Analyses:
Provides assistance during animal work related to ongoing projects, including animal breeding, genotyping, and husbandry; performing animal handling, preparation of drug solutions in drinking water, anesthesia and euthanasia; routine monitoring and recording animal wellness and behavior for strains involved, especially post-surgery or drug administration.
Provides assistance during blood/tissue collection at euthanasia. Preparation of histopathological tissue sections (quantification of area and fiber diameter from HE and Masson’s trichrome staining), preparation of samples for molecular biological analyses (RNA, DNA and protein extraction).
Performs subsequent analyses of histology slides and images using Aperio platform and ImageScope software for morphological quantification
Provides assistance for mouse Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) imaging at the Centre for Comparative Medicine (CCM) on UBC campus for longitudinal MRI imaging of muscular dystrophy lesions. Help develop MRI image analysis techniques.
Provide assistance during cell culture experiments related to ongoing projects including culture media changes and passaging of cells.
Laboratories Affairs:
Oversees lab storage organization, biohazard disposal, regular freezer maintenance, and storage space optimization.
Monitors and maintains stocks of consumables, chemicals, antibodies, and tissue culture materials. Coordinates online ordering accounts and purchasing of animals and lab supplies/reagents.
Responsible for providing comprehensive support to research staff. Additional tasks may include bench cleaning, archiving and managing chemical/reagent/antibody inventories; routine autoclaving lab consumables, containers, and liquids according to lab demands; preparing materials in advance of experiments/animal harvests;
Maintains data/software backup in hard drives and cloud services with the assistance of PI and Information Technology Department at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation.
Additional Responsibilities:
Assists in writing reports, preparing presentations.
Assists in developing and implementing quality control measures for all laboratory procedure
Participates in lab meetings and presents research findings when required.
Collaborates with other research groups and external partners on joint projects.
Performs other related tasks as required.
Coordinates and participates in regular safety inspections and drills.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Mostly works in collaboration with the graduate student leading the project and sometimes independently at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation at St. Paul's Hospital. Improper lab setup could adversely affect experiments. The consequences of errors are significant, as experimental operations depend on following established protocols. Adherence to safety protocols related to equipment use and material handling is crucial to prevent serious injuries.

Supervision Received
Works in close collaboration with the PI, and at times independently with minimal supervision from PI. Reports directly to PI, Help Desk, and Information Technology Department.

Supervision Given
None.

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
Undergraduate degree (master’s preferred) in a relevant discipline is an asset or graduation from a technical college or institute.
Candidates with experience in molecular biology, cell biology (cell culture), basic biological lab skills, basic microscopy, and/or animal handling are preferred.
Laboratory Safety, Biosafety and Chemical safety training/certification required.
Ability to analyze, interpret data.
Ability to interact and communicate well with others.
- Animal (rodents) handling, restraint, and injections. Read more