Research Platform Manager

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

1d • CA$7,623 - CA$11,887 • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Platform Manager will be responsible for operational leadership and day-to-day management of FINDER, a Containment Level 3 (CL3) facility required for work with Risk Group 3 (RG3) pathogens, with an adjacent Containment Level 2 (CL2) facility. FINDER is a shared research platform of the Vice-President Research & Innovation portfolio. The role involves developing research projects and partnerships, overseeing security protocols, and managing stakeholder communications. Duties include collaborating with various UBC departments and advisors to ensure facility certification, manage research projects, supervise technical staff, acquire infrastructure, manage contract services, and provide training on research techniques, biosafety procedures, and animal handling. The successful candidate must be willing and able to work under CL3 conditions, including enrollment in medical surveillance, acknowledging the inherent risks associated with experiments using RG3 agents.

Requirements

• For research work, a post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation with a minimum of four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Otherwise, an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required with a minimum of six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in and managing a CL-3 facility, including staff management and oversight of facility operations.
• 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.
• Computer experience required, including facility with Microsoft Office and inventory software.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and complete assignments autonomously.
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, record-keeping and organization skills.
• Experience in provision of training in individual and small group formats.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, fast-paced team environment.

Nice To Haves

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Microbiology, Virology, or a related biomedical field is preferred.
• Relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, gained through research project responsibilities or comparable non-research operational roles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CL2 biosafety principles and the ability to meet medical fitness requirements to work in a CL3 facility are preferred.
• Completion of the UBC CL3 facility training program and successful demonstration of knowledge of FINDER SOPs would be an asset; training may be provided to the successful candidate.
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation if responsible for a research project.
• Undergraduate degree if not responsible for a research project is preferred.
• Animal husbandry experience is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated prudent judgement under pressure and in situations of risk.
• Demonstrated experience in microbiology and tissue culture techniques, preparing and analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein samples.
• Working experience with small animal model of microbial infection preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with complex scientific analytical instrumentation (e.g., imaging systems, ultracentrifuges and spectrophotometers) is preferred.
• Excellent technical skills in microbiology, tissue culture of mammalian cells, and operation of computer-controlled scientific instrumentation.
• Excellent practical laboratory skills and conscientious attention to detail and task completion.
• Proven ability to learn new techniques and operation of complex scientific equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements policies and standard operating procedures for client services.
• Conducts research-training sessions on facility policies and protocols, including biosafety procedures, animal handling, and use of scientific and decontamination equipment for a CL3 facility.
• Forecasts future capability needs by assessing equipment of current and potential clients, and determines the feasibility of current infrastructure to respond to such needs.
• Oversees simultaneous experiments and their specific research requirements in FINDER.
• Collaborates in the development of grant proposals, research reports, and journal manuscripts, particularly with regard to technical aspects including the identification and development of methods required to perform studies to meet scientific and biosafety requirements.
• Provides support and expertise working with pathogens and animal research.
• Manages relationships with stakeholders and clients including all pertinent communication.
• In partnership with Animal Care Services, supports users with animal research requirements.
• Assesses the requirements of current and potential clients and determines the feasibility of current infrastructure for matching these requirements.
• Oversees the implementation of maintenance, upgrades, and renovation plans for all equipment, tools, and infrastructure for FINDER.
• Manages the shipping-receiving process of RG3 agents and animals, including importation.
• Liaises extensively with Animal Care Services to ensure research is carried forward appropriately.
• Manages human resources for FINDER, providing mentorship and performance management to up to four technicians.
• Responsible for managing annual facility performance and verification tests per HPTR CL3 licensing requirements.
• Maintains HPTA licensing, based on required certifications.
• Conducts comparative analyses of vendors and service providers (itemizes requirements, specifications, timelines, cost, and contract terms), and negotiates contracts.
• Plans and manages the operational budget of FINDER in consultation with VPRI Senior Finance Officer and Shared Research Platforms Manager.
• Ensures financial activities are tracked and recorded; reviews research expenditures and ensures funds are being used in compliance with funding guidelines.
• Prepares budget projections as requested by Scientific Advisor, Steering Committee or VPRI Shared Platforms Manager.
• Develops and implements training programs for all users to safely work in FINDER.
• Manages and coordinates animal care support to FINDER researchers; manages animal husbandry technician for research animals within FINDER.
• Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• UBC offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which includes health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life insurance and disability insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued education.
• Access to UBC's extensive research facilities and resources.
• A commitment to employment equity, inclusion, and fairness.
• Support for work-life balance and employee well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level