University of British Columbia·Vancouver, British Columbia
The Research Assistant will plan and perform complex experiments, including molecular techniques and animal studies, to investigate ocular and neurodegenerative diseases. They are also responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, managing supplies, and overseeing the work of junior staff and students.
Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4 Job Title Research Assistant/Technician 4 Department Department of Ophthalmology | Faculty of Medicine | Provost and VP Academic Compensation Range $5,377.61 - $6,308.19 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 27, 2926 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date August 23, 2028 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 Research Assistant Tech 4 in the Gupta laboratory will focus on ocular and neuro degenerative diseases, working on projects that may include metagenomics, tissue and cell cultures and human derived materials. Techniques used will range from in vitro and in vivo testing to assays such as ELISA, immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blots. The lab’s research explores diverse approaches to understanding and treating eye diseases, leveraging advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical methods to investigate ocular pathology and potential therapies.
The Research Assistant should be self-motivated and should be able to perform tasks with supervision. The individual should be able to work as a collaborative team member to achieve experimental goals.
The Research Assistant/Technician 4 will report directly to Dr. Neeru Gupta.
Plans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; analyses and interprets experiment results; presents research results at laboratory meetings.
· Performs cell culture experiments. · Performs molecular techniques such as PCR and real-time PCR, western blotting, immunoblotting, ELISA, cloning, isolation and characterization of DNA and RNA, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, etc. · Maintains animals for in vivo experiments; and performs injections and animal surgery. · Visualizes and analyzes cells using regular microscopy and confocal microscopy. · Assists with purchasing supplies and minor equipment, inventory of lab supplies and maintaining lab equipment for research projects. · Ensures established laboratory safety rules and procedures are followed. · Carries out any other necessary experiments and related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Tasks are assigned by the Principal Investigator. Research Assistant (RA) is responsible for organizing, and scheduling of the tasks. RA is responsible for all tasks to be completed on time and making sure all research procedures and data collection activities are running smoothly. Consequences of errors made may include compromised integrity of research and success of research project
Supervision Received Works under general supervision from Dr. Gupta. While instruction is given on assignment of duties, work is expected to be conducted independently, with new or unusual problems reported to the principal investigators.
Supervision Given This position may oversee the work of undergraduate student volunteers, work-learn students and lower classifications technicians.
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Candidates must hold a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program. A minimum of four to five years of related experience is required to perform the complex laboratory procedures described.
Market context
In British Columbia, Research Assistant/Technician 4 roles are often tied to active lab, clinical, or academic projects, so demand can be steady where research funding and specialized programs are in place. These positions are competitive because they require a relevant degree or technical program plus four to five years of related experience to handle complex laboratory procedures. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform first, then compare your hands-on lab experience against the procedure and documentation needs before applying.