Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Research Assistant / Technician 3
Department
Gross Anatomy Laboratory | Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
July 31, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
August 4, 2026
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
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
Under supervision of Gross Lab Manager, employee will provide support in the Gross Anatomy laboratory and other Gross Anatomy teaching areas.
Organizational Status
Employee works from oral and written instructions or schedule and will report to Gross Anatomy Lab Manager to discuss new and unusual problems.

Work Performed

• Repair skeletons and anatomical models, maintain and organize student bone collection and prosected specimens; cataloguing these collections
• Identify and prioritize specimen acquisition and allocation for the plastination lab
• Inventory and maintenance of prosection collection for Gross Anatomy teaching labs including prioritizing replacement of specimens and liaising with distributed site staff to determine their specimen needs
• Manage chemical and SDS inventory for Gross Anatomy teaching labs, morgue, and plastination lab
• Order supplies and equipment for the Gross Anatomy teaching labs, morgue, and plastination lab
• Assist with lab set-up and clean-up, lab demonstrations, exam set-up, and exam clean-up
• Other duties in the plastination lab, Gross Anatomy Lab, morgue, and Multi-Purpose Lab as may be required by the Department
• Receive body program phone calls from families, contact doctors and medical care providers, make decisions as to acceptance of bodies based on SOPs, discussion with supervisor, and experience
• Receive bodies and prepare, embalm and store
• Move cadavers into coolers and onto dissecting tables; move dissecting tables and other lab equipment
• Accurate and prompt data entry to update cadaver and specimen databases
• Arrange delivery of bodies and specimens to the University, to other sites and hospitals, and to funeral home for cremation
• Prosect specimens under direction of the Manager
• Collect, ship, and document cadaver serology samples
• Maintain Gross Anatomy medical student laboratories, morgue and dissecting areas including: cleaning cadaver trays, counters, sinks, commodes and laboratory floors as required; washing instruments; tidying rooms; replacing, organizing supplies; putting away specimens; making solutions
• Optimize and develop new methods/techniques for embalming
• Box cadavers for shipment to distributed sites, VGH workshop sites, or funeral home for cremation
• Assist instructors during student laboratories sessions and external workshops, including AV equipment
• Liaise with workshop directors and assist with coordination and setup of workshops
• Plastinate specimens under direction of the Manager
• Perform minor maintenance in the lab if required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Follows procedures and protocols as outlined by supervisor. Unusual problems are referred to supervisors. Wrongful judgment and error will have a high negative impact on the medical program.
Supervision Received
Gross Lab Manager is the supervisor for managing daily routine tasks. Overall responsibility is provided by the Department Head. Daily duties may be carried out without supervision. Supervision may occur when changes in procedures are introduced, and when any additional training or direction are required.
Supervision Given
Assists with training of new employees within the program, and facilitates operation of the Gross Anatomy Lab during teaching sessions and workshops.
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

• Anatomy background highly recommended.
• Proven ability to carry out moderately complex procedures without supervision. Experience in handling cadavers.
• Good communication skills required in dealing with students and public.
• Discretion in dealing with Body Donor Program.
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Computer experience required.

Please refer the Job description for details