Research Assistant/technician 2 - Sorensen

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Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

The anticipated start date for this position is February 10, 2025. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension.

In your application please include (1) a cover letter, and (2) a CV or resume.

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 basic and translational research performed in the Sorensen laboratory seeks to improve basic knowledge and treatment options in osteosarcoma and other high-risk pediatric cancers. This position will mainly work on the pre-clinical validation of compounds targeting G-quadruplexes structures on metastatic osteosarcoma cells. The Research Assistant (RA) will be responsible, under supervision, for laboratory work including biochemical, molecular, and cell-based analyses, and in vivo mouse procedures.

Organizational Status
The Sorensen Lab is located at the BC Cancer Research Centre. The RA reports directly to the Primary Investigator and different study leads within the research group. The position requires to use a high degree of initiative, tact and professional judgement in carrying out responsibilities related to the research. The incumbent will also be required to report to the primary investigator and study leads in a clear and timely manner.

Work Performed

Laboratory Research Duties:

• The incumbent will be responsible for laboratory duties which include, but not limited to, western blotting, PCR and RT-PCR, plasmid preparation, bacterial culture, general buffer preparation, and mammalian/cancer cell culture, immunofluorescent staining, microscopy, and cellular/molecular biology (cell proliferation, death, cytotoxicity, etc.). Training for additional research techniques will be provided as needed.

Animal Research Duties:

• Maintains current knowledge of, and ensures compliance with, animal care regulations. As part of this, the incumbent will acquire animal research center handling and certification of techniques and procedures as it relates to required mouse work.
• Maintains daily care of laboratory mice including, primary tumour caliper measurements, imaging, and logging changes in animal health and general health conditions. The incumbent will also keep an up-to-date record of mice and mouse cages using Mosaic software.
• The incumbent will also perform ancillary laboratory techniques such as media/drug preparation, cell culture, instrument sterilizations, polymerase chain reaction analysis (for genotyping), and receiving and processing laboratory animal care supplies.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
When dealing with laboratory chemicals, the incumbent will exercise judgement based on the Biosafety and Laboratory Safety provided by online training modules. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment at all times and if in doubt seek advice from those that she/he may report to.

Supervision Received
The Research Assistant will work mostly independently from day to day. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Principal Investigator with additional guidance provided by the study leads, and will be expected to report his/her results to them regularly.

Supervision Given
None but may explain work sequences to others (e.g. undergraduate students).

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 a cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline preferred.
• Experience in laboratory bench work from the same or similar research field would be a key asset.
• Knowledge of scientific terminology and research methodology.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including effective interpersonal, oral and listening skills. Attention to details.
• Good organizational skills are essential to plan experiments efficiently, track progress and provide clear and timely updates to study team members.