University of British Columbia·Vancouver, British Columbia
The Research Assistant/Technician 2 is responsible for the daily care, husbandry, and health monitoring of laboratory animals across multiple research facilities. They also provide technical support for surgical procedures, anesthesia, and data collection while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Research Assistant / Technician 2 Department Preclinical Modelling Core Compensation Range $4,597.80 - $5,469.59 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 31, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Ongoing There are three (3) vacancies for this position. 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 Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Preclinical Modelling Core (PMC) is a leading animal research unit with two locations at the UBC Point Grey Campus and the Vancouver General Hospital Campus. The facilities provide specialized research environments, including skilled technicians, husbandry staff, dedicated procedure space, and advanced equipment to support a wide range of animal research studies. The facilities support both UBC investigators and industry partners and plays a crucial role in enabling preclinical research essential for translational medicine.
The Research Assistant/Technician 2 is responsible for animal care, animal health checks, breeding colony maintenance and husbandry (various species), as well as maintaining daily care of laboratory animals; feeding, watering, cage changing, sanitizing animal rooms and equipment. The incumbent may be required to work at different sites and with difference animal species as needed. When needed, the incumbent will assist in preparation of surgical suites and instrumentation, operating room technical tasks, anaesthesia, imaging of lab animals. They are responsible for the pre- and post-op care, observations of animals and collection of data, documentation, utilization of standard operating procedures in compliance with VCHRI PMC, UBC and CCAC regulations.
Organizational Status The incumbent works alongside other animal technicians and reports to the on-site Operations Manager or their designate on a daily basis. Interacts with and assists faculty, research assistants, students and others.
Work Performed Daily care of laboratory animals, husbandry, and observation of health status, working under guidelines and standard operating procedures in compliance with CCAC regulations.
Work safely following all safety policies, SOPs and guidelines under UBC Safety and Risk Services.
Performs rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; collects data; writes and follow up health reports; isolates infected or ill animals and reports to veterinarian.
Animal handling and husbandry including euthanasia under direction of senior technician.
Assisting in minimally-invasive animal care and/or research procedures by performing blood collection, sample collection, minor medical treatments.
Interacting and assisting investigators and/or their technicians.
Record keeping, such as animal census, health and breeding records, documentation Changing and sanitizing animal cages, bottles, racks and other equipment, using cage washer and autoclaves and other such equipment.
Support higher-level technicians or veterinarians during surgeries by assisting with the administration and monitoring of anesthesia, handling animals and preparing surgical and other technical equipment.
Nurse assistant duties.
Daily, pre- and post-op care.
After-hours care (evenings and weekends) for post-operative or moribund animals.
Help run diagnostic equipment (Complete Blood Count, Blood Gasses) .
Assisting investigators, surgeons, research assistants, students, etc.
General upkeep of facility, sanitizing, disinfection, disease control, following procedures outlined.
Floor mopping and re-stocking of supplies also required.
Continuing education to learn new techniques and remain current with other research and ideas.
Evening, weekend, and STAT holiday work will be required
Consequence of Error/Judgement Judgement must be exercised to alleviate pain or suffering by the animals. Provision of the necessary elements to make the animals environment as enriched and comfortable as possible. The supervisor and/or facility manager oversees work; incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/or disruption or ruination of a research study.
Supervision Received The incumbent works with little supervision in direct consultation with the on-site Operations Manager, and the Senior OR Technician.
Supervision Given Position works in conjunction with other technicians and will not be supervising other staff.
Certification in Veterinary Technology or Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) Registered Laboratory Animal Technician Certification is preferred. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures, and instructions. Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve. Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to gather, record, and organize information. Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. (e.g., lifting, standing, working at heights). Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. Ability to effectively use computers. Ability to lift objects that may weigh up to 25 kg.
Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification in Veterinary Technology or as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician is preferred.
Market context
Research assistant and technician roles in British Columbia often draw interest in university, health, and applied research settings, where teams need reliable support for data collection, lab work, and coordination. These roles can be competitive because employers look for a mix of hands-on experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well in interdisciplinary teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant experience and teamwork examples.