Research Technician - Gynecologic Cancer Research

at  UBC

Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Job Title
Research Technician - Gynecologic Cancer Research
Department
Carey Laboratory | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
February 9, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Feb 9, 2026
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 Research Technician position provides core experimental laboratory expertise to support the Rare and Understudied Women’s Cancer Research Program directed by Dr. Mark Carey (clinician-scientist). In particular, the work of his laboratory is focused on translational cancer research in ovarian, uterine and breast cancers. To this end, gynecologic tumour samples from patients and derived laboratory models are studied in order to better understand the biology of rare gynecological cancers and better match treatment options through identification of predictors (biomarkers) of drug efficacy. Some of the research work done in Dr. Carey’s laboratory includes the following:
1) The development and molecular characterization of new experimental models derived from patient samples (cell lines and 3D cell cultures/organoids models) to increase the research tools available for studying these cancers;
2) The pre-clinical evaluation of novel drug therapies (and combinations) in these models (both in in-vitro and in-vivo);
3) The development of a Canadian patient registry of Rare Gynecological Cancers to collect clinical information and tumor samples to obtain molecular data for research.
Organizational Status
The Research Technician will play a vital role in the coordination and execution of experimental plans with students and other members of the team. This position will report directly to Dr. Mark Carey (Clinical Professor and Principal Investigator) with supervision and support from Dr. Marta Llaurado (Research Associate & Program Manager) and Dr. Nelson Wong (Staff Scientist). The successful candidate can expect to receive feedback and support from all team members. We have a team-based work culture that supports a productive, respectful and supportive work environment.
Work Performed
The focus of the Research Technician will be conducting research for rare gynecological cancers. The Research Technician will design, plan and conduct experiments in the laboratory. The work will include other responsibilities and duties such as the following:
Administrative duties include, but are not limited to keeping track of orders, ordering reagents, supplies, organizing laboratory and stocks, maintaining inventories, distributing supplies, and keeping records of experiments and results.
Routine laboratory duties include the preparation of media, buffers, reagents, solutions, human/mouse cell cultures and related material for routine laboratory use. This last duty includes the assistance with the preparation and processing of samples (such as tissues, bloods, cells, etc.) for the purpose of developing laboratory models (cell cultures and xenografts), and processing them for molecular studies (e.g. genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, etc.). Assistance in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting problems with standard equipment is also expected.
General molecular laboratory duties/techniques required are, but not limited to, Western blot, PCR, generating sample lysates (from tumor/blood/cell) for DNA/RNA/protein extraction, developing and maintaining sterile mammalian tissue cultures, treating with drugs and/or siRNA/plasmids; conducting/monitoring/analyzing experiments. Other molecular laboratory techniques preferred include immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, sequencing, mass spectrometry.
Dry laboratory duties include collection, analysis and interpretation of experiment results or data; assistance with the preparation of scientific summaries, reports, slides, presentations and scientific manuscripts; assistance with the development of clinical database on study patients; assistance in the preparation of research ethics protocols and creating/updating general laboratory SOPs.
Maintain an appropriate knowledge base by performing regular reviews of the literature and stay updated on procedure manuals for experimental and laboratory standards.
Attend and participate in lab meetings, phone conferences, actively participate in ensuring laboratory efficiency and safety, and communicate and coordinate effectively with the lab members and their research collaborators.
Work closely with other technicians and the students in the laboratory to facilitate student activities, experiments and learning opportunities. The Technician will also help initiate new employees/students and collaborators to routines, procedures, operation of equipment, and will participate in the training and supervision of students.
Comply with specified laboratory standards, policies and procedures, and will carry out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification. In addition, the Technician must complete the Tri-council course on ethics and comply with confidentiality and ethical standards that govern the research program.
The Research Technician must have good communication skills, demonstrate professional integrity, maintain a healthy work environment and establish effective working relationships with co-workers, collaborators and other staff members.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Because errors may have deleterious impact on experiments to be performed, such errors should be avoided as much as possible. Intermittent errors would necessitate review of quality control techniques and continual errors in routine work could lead to discipline or dismissal.
Supervision Received
The Research Technician will play a vital role in the coordination of experimental plans with students and other members of the team. This position will report directly to Dr. Carey with supervision and support from Dr. Marta Llaurado and Dr. Nelson Wong. The Technician may work collaboratively with Industry partners and other researchers at UBC, specifically with the OBGYN department, the VCHRI Institute and the BC Cancer Research Center.
Supervision Given
The technician will work collaboratively and help supervise, orient, train, and facilitate co-op and graduate students. The technician will also assist and provide guidance to other research members, as required.
Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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
Previous laboratory experience (minimum 1-2 years) in cellular and molecular techniques, and demonstration of competency in previous laboratory research assistance experience(s) is preferred.
Completion of higher-level laboratory classes is desirable

Please refer the Job description for details