Research Assistant

Job Category
CUPE 116

Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title
Research Assistant

Department
Research Group | Multi-Scale Design Laboratory | Department Mechanical Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range
$4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
April 6, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

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 Ma Laboratory develops bioanalytical technologies to transform complex biological experiments into scalable, automated workflows. This research technician will perform biological experiments and support daily operations of the research laboratory. Emphasis for this position will be to perform experiments involving cell culture (2D and 3D), bioconjugation chemistry, and flow cytometry.
Organizational Status
The Research Assistant will report to the Principal Investigator to support daily operations of the research laboratory. This individual will interact with all members of the research group including postdoctoral fellows, senior graduate students, and undergraduate students, as well as core facilities, vendors, and collaborating laboratories.
Work Performed

• Perform 2D cell culture including media preparation, maintenance of cultures, drug treatments, viability assays, and immunostaining

• Perform 3D cell culture using cell lines and primary cells including media preparation, development and testing of new protocols, viability assays, immunostaining

• Conduct microscopy of 2D and 3D live cell samples using widefield microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and confocal microscopy

• Perform basic bioconjugation chemistry, such as protein conjugation to particles

• Analyze cells and particles using flow cytometry including panel design, instrument setup, compensation, and data analysis

• Collect, record and analyze experimental data and report results to the Principal Investigator and research team

• Instruct trainees and staff on biological techniques, laboratory procedures and equipment use

• Manage and maintain biological safety and human ethics protocols and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures

• Maintain lab facilities and supplies, including maintain tissue culture facilities; purchase supplies and minor equipment; maintain inventory of cells, proteins, chemicals, and equipment components; and management of research data storage

• Interact with core facilities, vendors, and collaborating laboratories to support research activities

• Adherence to laboratory safety regulation and procedures

• Support onboarding and offboarding of laboratory personnel

• Perform other related duties as required by the supervisor

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises a considerable amount of judgement, responsibility, and initiative related to the functioning of the lab. Incorrect decisions could hinder research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in the repetition of experiments and cause delays in conducting research. The Research Technician will be responsible for errors in their work, for reporting problems and mistakes in a timely way, and for correcting those errors.
Supervision Received
Reports directly to the Principal Investigator to ensure priorities are addressed.
Supervision Given
None.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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

• Relevant undergraduate degree, and preferably a MASc or MSc, in the field of bioengineering, biological sciences, immunology, or related fields in the life sciences.

• Must be detail oriented, organized and responsible with a positive attitude

• Ability to work with the Principal Investigator and research lab members to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data

• Experience with 2D and 3D cell culture

• Experience with flow cytometry

• Experience with bioconjugation chemistry

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

• Demonstrate initiative in determining work priorities and meet deadlines

• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs

• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships