Ensure smooth execution of clinical studies by assisting with research ethics board submissions and protocols.
Assist with sample processing and preparation.
Maintain and update study databases.
Perform general laboratory duties including ordering supplies and maintaining inventory.
Assist with experimental work in immunology, molecular biology, tissue culture, and metabolomics.
Perform skilled routine laboratory work under supervision (tissue culture preparation, specimen preparation and staining, biomarker application, chromatography, specialized microscope use).
Perform animal studies including drug administration and treatment monitoring.
Utilize quantitative image analysis techniques to analyze histological and cytological specimens.
Maintain cell lines.
Perform computer data entry and prepare standard reports of study results.
Participate in data analysis.
Maintain and store test materials and products.
Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment
Research Assistant 1, Lum Lab Startup – Deeley Research Centre BC Cancer Victoria, BC BC Cancer Victoria’s Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre (DRC) is a world-class cancer research facility specializing in cancer immunobiology. Dr. Lum’s laboratory at the DRC conducts translational research focused on understanding how diet, metabolism, and the gut microbiome influence immune function and improve cancer outcomes. Our work integrates immunology, nutrition, microbiome science, and clinical research to develop innovative strategies that enhance human health and cancer therapy. We are seeking a Research Assistant I to support the operations of the Lum Laboratory. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of clinical studies by assisting with research ethics board submissions and protocols, sample processing and preparation, and database maintenance. The candidate will collaborate with research staff, clinicians, and other partners to support the successful implementation of study activities. In addition, the candidate will perform general laboratory duties, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and assisting with experimental work in immunology, molecular biology, tissue culture, and metabolomics. The ideal candidate will demonstrate resourcefulness, accountability, and self-motivation, and will be effective in a collaborative team environment involving clinicians, researchers, and other health professionals. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to proactively identify and solve problems are essential for success in this role. What you’ll do
Under supervision, performs skilled routine laboratory work such as tissue culture preparation, specimen preparation and staining, applying biomarkers, chromatography, specialized use of microscope.
Performs animal studies such as drug administration and treatment monitoring.
Utilizes quantitative image analysis techniques to analyze histological and cytological specimens.
Maintains cell lines.
Performs computer data entry and prepares standard reports of study results.
Participates in data analysis.
Maintains and stores test materials and products.
Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment.
Qualifications
A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to completion of Grade 12, supplemented by recognized university level science courses; plus one (1) year of recent related experience in a research laboratory.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. Core Competencies:
Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). You have:
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Location
2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5 Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of
Work: Monday - Friday; 0830-1630
Requisition
Number: 201329E What we do BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia. BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province.
Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about
PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca. Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for
Justice (2019), the
Declaration
Act
Action
Plan and
Remembering
Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
Requirements
Education/training equivalent to completion of Grade 12 plus recognized university-level science courses.
One (1) year of recent related experience in a research laboratory.
Commitment to beginning and/or continuing personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression.
Foundational knowledge of social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups.
Understanding of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes.
Commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments (e.g., TRC Calls to Action, In Plain Sight, BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, UNDRIP, Declaration Act Action Plan, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, Distinctions Based Approach).
Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work; create an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood.
Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing
Completion of Grade 12
Equivalent education, training, and experience
Recognized university level science courses
Resourcefulness
Accountability
Organizational skills
Chromatography
Self-motivation
Attention to detail
Data analysis
Inventory maintenance
Database maintenance
Collaborative teamwork
Computer data entry
Ordering supplies
Quantitative image analysis
Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility
Protocol support
Respectful communication and active listening
Microscope use
Tissue culture preparation
Specimen preparation and staining
Benefits
Municipal pension plan
Comprehensive benefits package
Psychological health & safety programs
Holistic wellness resources
Annual statutory holidays (13)
Generous vacation entitlement and accrual
Professional development opportunities through 2,000+ in-house courses
Indigenous Cultural Safety training
Indigenous-specific anti-racism training
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility training
Mental health and well-being training
WorkPerks premium discount program (local and national discounts)
Posting details
Employment type
Temporary, Full Time
Work arrangement
Hybrid
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
CA$44,633 - CA$58,580/yr
Location
Victoria, British Columbia
Posted
Jul 9, 2026
Application
Employer website
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. What we bring Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more Job Type: Temporary, Full- Time (Until July 16, 2026) Salary: $44,633 - $58,580 per year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Biomarker application
Animal studies (drug administration and treatment monitoring)
Histological and cytological specimen analysis
Cell line maintenance
Standard report preparation
Test material and product maintenance and storage
Laboratory supplies and equipment maintenance
Research ethics board submissions support
Sample processing and preparation
Experimental work assistance (immunology, molecular biology, tissue culture, metabolomics)
Problem identification and problem solving
Equity-deserving perspective honoring
Commitment to DEI and anti-racism learning
Market context
Research assistant roles in BC cancer labs
Research assistant roles in British Columbia cancer labs are often competitive because they combine hands-on lab work, research support, and a strong fit with team-based clinical research environments. For this role, employers are looking for recent lab experience and science coursework, plus readiness to engage in learning about Indigenous-specific racism and system change. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show practical lab skills and relevant research experience.
More openings at Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)