Research Technician 2

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 RNA Development Technician will be primarily responsible for performing routine RNA analysis, record keeping, sample tracking, and contributing towards process development. They will also carry out routine lab maintenance, RNA synthesis, and market the services via printed materials and social media. The individual will be joining a dedicated, dynamic and highly motivated team within the RNA & Formulation Core, a cost recovery service facility in the Michael Smith Laboratories.

Organizational Status

The RNA Development Technician will contribute to the success of the RNA & Formulation Core facility. They report directly to the Core Director, with daily supervision from the RNA Production Technician. The individual will interact closely with members of UBC research groups, industrial clients or partners, departmental staff and other organization administrators.

Work Performed

• Carry out routine experimental procedures for RNA analysis including spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, clotting assays, immunoblotting, and capillary electrophoresis (CE) using established protocols
• Maintains sample and chain of custody records for incoming, outgoing, and in-house produced samples
• Assists more senior personnel with sample purification using analytical methods such as HPLC, CE, and capping analysis
• Assists in shipping hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with current regulations
• Maintains a clean and fully functional lab environment, including preparing buffers and reagents
• Analyses and compiles data for report preparation, presents results, and contributes towards the preparation of scientific manuscripts
• Performs established molecular biology techniques such as PCR, plasmid purifications, and cloning Participates in team meetings
• Upon demonstrated competency, perform in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions for mRNA, saRNA, and circRNA development and production
• Aid in the development of printed marketing materials
• Create digital media and maintain social media accounts when benchwork needs are low
• Carry out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Exercises judgement, responsibility, and initiative related to research projects and the functioning of the lab. Incorrect decisions could impact deliverable timelines, negatively impacting collaborations and future research objectives. Poor judgment would result in loss of experimental data, time, or progress.

The Technician will be responsible for errors in their work, for reporting problems to supervisors and for correcting those errors.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Core Director to ensure priorities are addressed. The role will work closely with the RNA Production Technician on both service and research-driven projects. Works under general supervision, receiving instructions on the assignment of new duties. New or unusual problems are referred to the supervisor.

Supervision Given
The Technician will work as part of a team with no immediate supervisory role. They may be partially responsible for training co-op students or more junior personnel as the team grows

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

Preference is given to candidates with a relevant technical program or university degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, or biochemistry. A strong background in molecular biology techniques, with specific expertise in DNA or RNA handling and analysis will be advantageous. Some experience with lab management tasks would be beneficial, as well as familiarity with research laboratory. Any experience in CE, HPLC, or other advanced purification techniques are an asset. Familiarity with social media and marketing an asset. Computer experience with presentation software (such as MS PowerPoint) and comfortability with communication tools (Zoom, Teams, Slack) are required.

Skills

• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to work with colleagues to plan and implement experiments and analyze data

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with team members is essential

• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, multi-tasking, and organizational skills are required

• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs

• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships

• Flexibility with learning new techniques and tools as the needs of the Core develops

• Self-motivated person, fast learner, team player, and creative problem solver