Research Assistant- New Frontiers in Transformational Research

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Research Assistant- New Frontiers in Transformational Research

Department

Tetzlaff Laboratory | International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

April 23, 2025

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

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
Assists in research activities for studying regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice and rats. Duties include: assisting with animal surgeries, post-operative treatment and care of animals, performing animal behavioural testing and analysis, preparing tissue for histological analysis (embedding and cutting sections), immunohistochemistry and assisting with image analysis and data collection.

The Research Assistant will work in a shared wet lab bench space with use of computer, printer, scanner, etc. The majority of work will be performed in a large research lab or vivarium. All hazards associated with a typical research lab environment (for example: chemicals, sharps, allergens etc.) will be present, but appropriate safety training will be provided.

Organizational Status

Reports to the senior lab manager of the research group. May receive instruction from experienced graduate students, senior Research Associates and senior Research Assistants as required during specific research tasks. Works closely with other technicians in the lab. Collaborates with Vivarium staff and ICORD facilities personnel.

Work Performed

Providing support with research activities including:

• Performing animal surgery and post-operative care (including surgical prep, subcutaneous injections, suturing, monitoring post-surgical health and giving bladder care).

• Administering drugs to animals via injections, and/or oral gavage.

• Performing animal behaviour tests including filming animals while they perform certain activities such as rearing, catwalk, food pellet reaching, over ground locomotion.

• Analyzing the behavioural videos by digital measuring on a video screen or by descriptive observation and scoring.

• Performing perfusions and tissue extraction

• Carrying out histological procedures including embedding, cryostat-sectioning and staining tissue Immunohistochemistry: staining tissue with fluorescent antibodies.

• Microscopy including digital scanning and archiving.

• Image analysis using Photoshop, Sigma Scan, Excel, etc.

• Data analysis and compilation

• Assist as needed with protocol writing and amendments

• Providing instruction and training in animal care, behaviour testing/training/analysis, and histology to undergraduate students and new and junior technicians.

• Performing other related duties from time to time as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Carelessness during the performance of research duties to 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.

Supervision Received
The Research Assistant will work independently from day to day, and attend lab meetings as required. Depending on specific research task assigned, work may be checked as needed by the Managing Director, PI, or senior staff members on behalf of the PI.

Supervision Given
May supervise undergraduate work study and directed studies students, or 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

Completion of a relevant technical program or university degree with coursework involving neurobiology, molecular biology, neuroanatomy or psychology and three years of related experience.

Demonstrated experience in animal handling and research. Successful completion of UBC Chemical and Biohazard Safety Courses and Animal husbandry courses an asset. Experience in data analysis with statistical software an asset. 

Desired skills include cryostat sectioning, post-operative animal care, animal behaviour experience, tissue extraction, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis. Demonstrated knowledge of MS Office, Sigma Scan, Sigma Plot, and Photoshop an asset. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, and attention to detail are required. Must be able to work both independently and within a team environment.