Granville Lab Research Technician

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

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This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

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 Research Technician performs histological processes and in vitro experiments and supports research activities in the Granville Lab.

Organizational Status
The position is in the Granville Laboratory within the ICORD (International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries) Centre at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia. Reports to Dr. David Granville, who also oversees the British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory. Works as part of a research team consisting of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and other research staff.

Work Performed

• Carries out a variety of laboratory procedures including cell culture, Western blotting, cell lysis, preparation of RNA and protein, immunocytochemistry, histology (cryo-sectioning, slide preparation, H&E, immunohistochemistry), immunofluorescence techniques

• Provides instructions and training to new laboratory members on the use of equipment, histological techniques and procedures.

• Uses specialized high-end bright field and fluorescence microscopes and associated complex software to image and capture stained tissue sections.

• Oversees storage and management of tissue blocks and sections, as well as digital images. Maintains detailed and complex specimen logs.

• Maintains an extensive inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for use in the laboratory. Prepares and/or maintains media, buffers, reagents, solutions, and related material for use when necessary.

• Ensures that all equipment in the laboratory is in good working order. Arranges for regular maintenance and repair when necessary.

• Represents Granville Lab at departmental safety meetings and communicates all relevant information to the lab from the meetings.

• Onboards new lab members, including orientation and safety training.

• Performs other duties from time to time as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Technician is accountable for the quality and integrity of the research and data, including analyses and interpretation, as well as the effective and efficient support of research projects. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory and could be financially costly and lead to loss of credibility in this field.

Supervision Received
Works under general supervision. Reports to and meets regularly with the principal investigator. Works closely with members of the research team on assigned projects.

Supervision Given
Provides training and oversight to students (Co-op, Work Learn, Summer Students), volunteers, and new technicians in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures. May at times be responsible for supervision of summer students, Co-op students, and to a lesser extent graduate students, post-docs and other visitors to the laboratory.

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

Three years' experience working in a laboratory/research environment would be an advantage.

• Experience in microscopy, cryostat cutting, immunohistochemistry, image analysis, cell culture, sterile techniques, general molecular biology and biochemistry techniques including experience with proteases, protease activity assays, extracellular matrix/proteoglycan biology, immunology

• Experience with wound healing assays, tensile strength measurements, and animal modelling an asset.

• Experience working with mice an asset.

• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills required.

• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, and attention to detail required.

• Proficiency with MS Office, Excel, and PowerPoint required.

• Experience in data analysis, particularly using Image J, photoshop, Zen software an asset.

• Experience with RNA seq analyses an asset.

• Knowledge of ECIS techniques an asset.

• Successful completion of UBC Chemical and Biohazard Safety courses, UBC Transportation of Dangerous Goods training an asset.

• Excellent attention to details and deadlines required.

• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment, with excellent interpersonal and social skills.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail and to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and diplomacy required.