Research Assistant/technician 3

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

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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 work will be supporting the laboratory functions of the Canadian Microbiology Proficiency Testing Program (CMPT), within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the UBC Hospital, Koerner Pavilion, at 2211 Wesbrook Mall.

Organizational Status
CMPT is a program within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. CMPT provides simulated samples to medical and environmental laboratories for Quality Assessment of microbiology testing practices.

Work Performed

• Create microbiology proficiency testing samples using standard culture techniques
• Perform research and development of new techniques for sample preparation
• Observe, record, enter data and analyse and interpret experiment results
• Write reports and summarize experimental findings to present in a certificate of analysis report and, if applicable, would be assist in writing grant applications.
• Maintain stock cultures and prepare applicable media
• Perform equipment maintenance and trouble-shooting
• Verify quality and accuracy of work, trouble-shooting when necessary
• Perform Quality Control procedures and maintain Quality Assurance practices
• Packing of samples for transport
• Participating in audits of the CMPT Quality Management System
• Assist in training new staff and students
• Performing other laboratory related duties

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The proficiency testing materials are sent to clinical and environmental testing laboratories in Canada and worldwide. Errors may have deleterious impact on testing materials and on experiments to be performed. Intermittent errors would necessitate review of quality control techniques and continual errors in routine work could lead to discipline or dismissal. Errors at CMPT are investigated thoroughly and remediation is taken swiftly.

Supervision Received
Under overall supervision of the Principal Investigator and the direct supervision of the Senior Technician.

Supervision Given
The Technologist-3 is not expected to have any direct reports however general supervision of others' work in the CMPT laboratory is expected and required as part of our internal quality control processes. Errors in any of CMPT's workflows are expected to be detected and addressed by all CMPT staff.

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

• Bachelor's of Science, Bachelor's of Medical Laboratory Science degree or Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) with CSMLS certification, preferred;
• M.Sc.in microbiology is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated training and/or coursework in laboratory quality management is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated leadership with a laboratory project and working with a project team;
• Experience in a food, water or environmental testing laboratory is an asset.
• Candidates with laboratory quality management experience are encouraged to apply.
• must demonstrate effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willing to support publications is an asset;
• Must demonstrate work experience in strong self-organization, time management, task prioritization and meeting deadlines.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment upholding mutual accountability.
• Must demonstrate skills in data analysis and producing figures and tables of results for publications.
• Skills in statistics (e.g. regression analysis) is desirable.
• Demonstrated computer skills are required (Publisher, Word and Excel).