Research Assistant, Laboratory

Please note:  Only Canadian Citizens, legal residents or residents with a legal work permit will be considered.

STATUS:  Temporary full-time position with an initial 2-year term

FTE: 1.0 FTE

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

SALARY:  $48,475.92 – $60,594.90

LOCATION: BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver.

BENEFITS: This position is eligible for extended health benefits and sick and vacation time off.

ORGANIZATION: The BC-CfE is a world-renowned HIV/AIDS Centre with innovative, low barrier approach to healthcare delivery in clinical practice and an integrated group of research concentrations in Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Trials, Population Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics and Professional Education Programs. A multidisciplinary team of clinicians including Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers and Peers and researchers including Laboratory Scientists, Health Economists, Epidemiologists, Clinical Researchers, Statisticians, Programmers, and Data Analysts work collaboratively to improve the health of British Columbians with HIV and communities facing socio-economic barriers in accessing healthcare.

Role: The Research Assistant conducts complex molecular biology laboratory procedures that produce high quality results in support of the BC-CfE’s clinical activities. This work will generate clinically-reportable test results for healthcare providers in the BC-CfE Precision Medicine Program.

• Performs complex laboratory procedures (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing) involving potentially infectious biological specimens and analyzes data to produce reportable results to clinicians, physicians or researchers.
• Adheres to laboratory policies and procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), quality control and quality assurance standards, and complies with safety regulations and accreditation requirements. Adapts to changes in policy and procedures and provides input to these changes as required.
• Maintains accurate, high-quality documentation of all laboratory procedures and processes in accordance with accreditation requirements and/or applicable research standards by recording them the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and/or lab notebook.
• Documents and runs controls, collects control data and records problems or potential problems with procedures and equipment in accordance with applicable standards.
• Performs routine maintenance on laboratory equipment by following established policies, procedures and SOPs; maintains supplies of laboratory consumables and reagents in collaboration with Laboratory Manager.
• Assists in establishing and revising laboratory policies and procedures including preparing and updating laboratory manuals for approval, maintaining appropriate quality assurance documentation, and ensuring compliance with current safety requirements.
• Maintains current knowledge of advances in laboratory technology by attending seminars, lectures, meetings and professional conferences.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience

• BSc Degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in biological, chemical or physical sciences, clinical laboratory science or medical technology.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ recent related laboratory experience performing relevant procedures using related equipment (e.g., biological specimen handling, DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR gel electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing, HPLC-MSMS) and troubleshooting non-conforming procedures and equipment
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of molecular biology concepts and techniques. Knowledge of analytical chemistry concepts and techniques would be an asset.
• Exceptional analytical and reasoning skills
• Proven understanding of experiment design, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with others
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work on several projects simultaneously, maintain accuracy and adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of computerized systems utilized in laboratories and current software applications such as MS Office Applications.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Willingness and ability to work with biohazardous materials.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

For precision medicine programs:

• Proven understanding of the rigour and quality standards required in clinical laboratory service delivery.

Please include in your Resume and Cover letter outlining clearly how your skills are applicable to this role and include the job title you are applying for in your email subject line.

CONTACT: Human Resources Coordinator; careers@bccfe.ca