Bioaugmentative Lab Research Assistant

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

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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
Supports research activities in the BioAugmentative Interfaces Laboratory at ICORD with the primary role of performing experiments and animal care.

Organizational Status

ICORD is a world leading health research centre focused on spinal cord injury. From the lab-based cellular level of understanding injury to rehabilitation and recovery, our researchers are dedicated to the development and translation of more effective strategies to promote prevention, functional recovery, and improved quality of life after spinal cord injury. Located at Vancouver General Hospital in the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, ICORD is supported by UBC Faculties of Medicine and Science, and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Visit www.icord.org.

The BioAugmentative Interfaces Lab (https://bioauglab.med.ubc.ca/) at ICORD is led by Dr. Dena Shahriari. The goal of the lab is to develop neuroelectronic devices, sensors and smart biomaterials to interface and communicate with the body for tissue repair and organ augmentation. This is a biomaterials and neural engineering laboratory.

The Research Assistant reports directly to Dr. Shahriari. Liaises with ICORD administrative staff for assistance with equipment orders and facilities-related issues. Occasionally works with research personnel in other ICORD laboratories. Represents the BioAug Lab on the ICORD safety committee. Provides training on equipment use and lab safety protocols for other lab members when appropriate.

Work Performed

• Solders electrical components and fabricates implants using 3D printers and polymer processing methodologies developed in the lab

• Performs small rodent surgeries and animal care

• Performs animal behaviour training and testing activities such as rearing, catwalk, food pellet reaching, over ground locomotion.

• Performs histological procedures including cryostat-sectioning and staining.

• Performs microscopy using a confocal microscope, including image capture and archiving.

• Performs image capture of stained sections for presentations and publications, and conducts quantitative image analysis.

• Procures laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment using UBC credit card and purchase orders; follows up on outstanding orders, investigates and resolves errors.

• Reconciles credit card expenses and pays PO invoices in Workday

• Depending on education/experience, may assist with programming in Python, grant writing, sketching figures in BioRender and Illustrator.

• Performs other duties from time to time as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to supervisor. Carelessness during the performance of research duties could reduce the quality of research conducted in the lab and jeopardize the lab's ability to secure future funding by competing for research grants. Inappropriate judgment could also result in deterioration of animal health, including mortality and could lead to the revocation of ethics certification for the lab.

Supervision Received
Reports to the PI of the laboratory. Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.

Supervision Given
Although the Research Assistant does not actually supervise any other staff on a regular basis, they will act as a resource for lab members and may supervise volunteers.

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

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science (preferably in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry or related fields) preferred. Experience working with animals and performing animal surgeries is highly desired. Experience working in a wet lab (preferably chemistry or materials science) an asset. Excellent organization and communication skills is required. Attention to detail required. Experience in tissue slicing and confocal imaging preferred. Knowledge of image analysis and quantification is preferred. Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment is required.