In Vivo Research Assistant/Technician 2

University of British Columbia · Vancouver · CA$4,598–CA$5,470/month (stated in the posting)

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

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 In Vivo Research Assistant/Technician 2 will support a multidisciplinary program focused on heart and lung research at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI) at St. Paul’s Hospital. The successful candidate will perform animal handling and experimental procedures using murine models, collect and process biological samples, and conduct laboratory-based assays. Responsibilities include animal husbandry support, administration of experimental treatments, blood collection, tissue harvesting, and preparation of samples for genotyping or further analysis. The successful candidate will also contribute to translational research projects that investigate mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation in heart, lung, and critical care disease, and to the preclinical evaluation of therapeutic interventions, including those relevant to transfusion medicine and hematologic disorders.

Organizational Status

The individual will report directly to the Preclinical Service Manager and work closely with other research associates and technicians, graduate students, and collaborating investigators. Initially, the individual will work under supervision but will be expected to perform assigned duties independently following appropriate training and demonstration of competency.

Work Performed

• Assist with procedures in conventional, biocontainment (CL2), or barrier units, with rotating participation in technical, husbandry, and animal monitoring tasks in all areas.
• Maintain colonies in a rodent barrier facility, including husbandry, daily health checks, setting up and monitoring breeding, and maintaining breeding records.
• Under supervision, provide animal care, pre- and post-operative nursing, and monitoring of experimental animals.
• Perform standard animal handling tasks, including restraint, dosing (IP, SQ, IV, PO), and blood sampling.
• Carry out necropsies and tissue collection, ensuring timely delivery of samples.
• Support research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technicians.
• Procure and maintain animals, supplies, and equipment.
• Help write and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Operate and oversee equipment and work with software programs.
• Autoclave supplies and prepare and care for surgical instruments.
• Keep detailed records of animal inventory and procedures.
• Participate in rotating weekend and statutory holiday daily health checks, and in procedures that must be completed after hours.
• Perform general laboratory upkeep and management.
• Support facility compliance with the standards set by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the UBC Animal Care Committee.
• Participate, with support, in Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL) training events and other continuing education activities.
• Ability to safely lift 20 kg.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work will be reviewed regularly by the Preclinical Service Manager through meetings and discussions. Errors in animal procedures, sample processing, data collection, or record keeping may result in loss of valuable biological samples, delays in research progress, increased costs, compromised experimental outcomes, or non-compliance with institutional regulations. Failure to adhere to animal care, biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory safety procedures may result in injury to personnel, adverse animal welfare outcomes, or regulatory violations.

Supervision Received
Initially, senior facility personnel will provide detailed instructions and training. General supervision will follow once proficiency has been demonstrated, with direct supervision available for new techniques, specialized procedures, or troubleshooting as needed.

Supervision Given
May provide instruction and technical guidance to undergraduate students, volunteers, and new facility users on facility procedures, animal handling practices, safety requirements, and SOPs. No formal supervisory responsibilities are expected.

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 degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Animal Biology, or a related discipline. MSc training is considered an asset. An Animal Health Technologist or Veterinary Technician diploma will also be considered.
• 1–2 years of relevant laboratory research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with animal handling, rodent breeding, restraint, anesthesia, injections, blood collection, health monitoring, and tissue collection is highly desirable.
• Experience in microsurgery techniques for animal models is highly valuable.
• Completion of UBC Animal Care and Biosafety training, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
• Experience with data analysis software is desirable.
• Knowledge of sterile technique and laboratory safety.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to high-quality scientific work.
• Interest in working toward CALAS/ACSAL RLAT certification is an asset.

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