Laboratory Technician

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Job Profile

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Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

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

Laboratory technicians will receive, label and freeze blood samples prior to analysis for the National Drug Driving Study, a Transport Canada / Public Safety Canada funded study investigating the prevalence of drug use in injured drivers and passengers who are treated in hospital after a motor vehicle collision. The incumbents will follow study procedures when handling and labeling whole blood samples prior to toxicology analysis. Questions related to sample handling and labelling will be answered by the research coordinator and project manager. The laboratory technician will be directly supervised by the National Drug Driving Study research coordinator and report to the Project Manager and Principal Investigator (PI). The incumbents will be responsible for learning and adhering to all study procedures. They are required to protect study participants' privacy and confidentiality, and behave professionally in their interactions with other team members. They will be part of a larger team of Road Safety and Public Health researchers and may be asked to participate in other ongoing studies or to perform literature reviews.

Organizational Status

This study is managed through the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine Research at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). The National Drug Driving Study obtains "left over" whole blood samples from injured drivers or passengers and analyzes them for alcohol, cannabinoids and a panel of other impairing substances including CNS stimulants and CNS depressants. The study also collects routine demographic and clinical information. The study has obtained funding from CIHR, Health Canada, Transport Canada and several provincial governments. Public Safety Canada funding will support the study beginning in spring 2023. Road Safety Research is one of the key strategic initiatives of the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine.

Work Performed

• Follows all study procedures and safety guidelines
• Labels blood samples prior to analysis following study procedures.
• Identify and troubleshoot problems in consultation with research coordinator and project manager
• Enters data accurately
• Ensuring appropriate confidentiality in alignment with UBC guidelines and study procedures
• Assist project coordinator with communication with study sites (especially around issues related to blood collection or handling)
• Reports on progress and troubleshoots to ensure deadlines are met
• Assists in revision of study protocols and standard operating procedures

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent should be able to conduct all research activities in an ethical manner suited to the proper activities of VGH and UBC as well as to the professional organizations governing themselves and those governing the activities of the Divisional Research Director and other investigators. The Research Assistant is expected to use excellent judgement to inform the PI, Research Coordinator and Project Manager of any unforeseen or abnormal outcomes, which could impact the study. Data collected and recorded as part of a clinical study must be detailed and accurately reflect the work performed. Medical records and proprietary information are highly confidential and must be handled with the utmost discretion. Records are released only under strict supervision of PI. An error or incorrect decision when conducting a research project may result in a protocol violation, causing inappropriate data and skewed study results. This may have financial implications such as loss of funding. Inappropriate release of confidential information on study participants may have adverse legal implications.

Supervision Received

The incumbent will receive training and supervision from the research coordinator and Project Manager, and will perform assigned task independently after initial training.

Supervision Given

The incumbent may be asked to train new co-op students or laboratory technicians.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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 student training in chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmacology.

Familiarization with good laboratory practice is required.

Prior experience with handling of human biological samples is an asset.

The successful candidate must be willing to work on a team and assist with other related laboratory duties at the VGH Research Centre as required.

• Knowledge in or experience with clinical research in a laboratory setting
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office and other computer technical skills
• Capacity and ability to learn new software, research methods, and work routines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adhere to ethical guidelines for research
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively
• Ability to exercise appropriate tact, discretion, judgment, and confidentiality
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment