Research Lab Assistant-1

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

1d • CA$3,407 - CA$3,819 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Student to join the UBC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Gupta Laboratory. The primary focus of the Research Assistant is to support the Department’s Research Team with both clinical research and laboratory research activities. This may include planning, organizing, and conducting research, contributing to the development of protocols and standard operating procedures, as well as performing hands-on tasks related to research. The Research Assistant should be self-motivated and able to perform research tasks with supervision. Work will be conducted in the Department’s offices and laboratories at the Vancouver General Hospital Eye Care Centre, located at 2550 Willow Street.

Requirements

• High school graduation 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

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Laboratory skills, familiarity with molecular, biochemical, and/or immunological techniques as well as initiating, developing, and performing.
• Rodent handling for experimentation, colony maintenance, and health monitoring.
• Maintaining material and lab equipment; knowledge of proper and safe use of laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of biosafety procedures.
• Knowledge and experience working with database systems (e.g., REDCap, EDC) and office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, etc.).
• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminologies
• Experience creating and maintaining positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders including staff, students, vendors, administrative staff, collaborators, and funding partners.
• Analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with specimen collection, handling, storage, and shipment processes in research.
• Support standards for non-routine/complex level experiments and prepare biological samples (human or animal) for research projects.
• Animal handling and restraint.
• Performing routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting on laboratory and clinical research instruments.
• Research regulations, compliance, and guidelines with the Animal Care and Use program.
• Ensuring adherence to test protocols and assisting in performing test procedures as necessary.
• Observing details and maintaining accurate records of experiments and results.
• Exceptional communication and writing skills, organizational skills, ability to multitask.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to gather, record, and organize information; to create and maintain record and filing systems.
• Knowledge and experience with grant application procedures and granting agency requirements, scientific terminology, and research methodology in the health sector would be an asset.
• Ability to work under pressure of deadlines.
• Experience with different types of research including investigator-initiated and industry clinical trials, and qualitative studies would be an asset.
• Meet the requirements of the UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board Guidelines for clinical trial application with a good understanding of the Health Canada Division 5 of the Food and Drug Regulations and the ICH/GCP guidelines.
• Demonstrate organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.
• Knowledge of ophthalmology treatment and pathology is an asset
• Empathetic personality with concern for patients’ needs.
• Knowledge of Indigenous-specific anti-racism and cultural safety is an asset.
• Solid judgment and discretion in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, data entry, and reporting.
• Interpersonal skills, demonstrating the ability to collaborate with diverse teams, and communicate effectively with investigators, participants, and other stakeholders.
• Willing to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrating a commitment to enhancing one’s awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory work, maintaining inventory, storage, maintenance, and disposal of materials and equipment as needed
• Perform basic laboratory and animal tests according to safe practice and standards
• Conduct literature searches, support statistics and manuscript preparation
• Support the compilation of grant applications, presentations, CVs
• Support management of research records
• Assists in organizing and documenting research project activities
• Maintain and update lists, logs, and databases
• Assist with research related site visits and meetings
• Assist with ethics-related and recruitment activities under supervision
• Assist with the informed consent process and clinical trial participation.
• Ensure compliance with GCP/ICH Guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of research activities
• Ensure tasks are performed in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Tri-Council policies and guidelines
• Assist with protocol tasks and study-specific items
• Assist with setting up meetings and administrative duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED