Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Cell Culture Technician

Department

Vallance Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$28.95 - $34.14 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date

August 14, 2026

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

Job End Date

July 31, 2027

This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks.

The Vallance laboratory is part of the Childhood Diseases Research Theme of the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and is a world leader in studying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and enteric bacterial infections. The Vallance lab focuses on nutrition - bacteria - host interactions at the intestinal mucosal interface. We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to join our team as a Research Technician. The successful candidate will work on a cutting-edge project using pre-clinical organoid models to develop novel therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Specifically, the successful candidate will receive patient intestinal biopsies and generate intestinal organoids. These patient-derived intestinal organoids will be cultured and maintained, as well as studied using routine and standardized assays. The successful candidate will assist senior staff and trainees in growing and analyzing organoids, using modern techniques, performed under minimal supervision. The research technician role requires extensive laboratory and cell culture experience. While organoid experience would be an asset, those without this experience will be trained in the required procedures and techniques. It is expected that the successful candidate will master specific technical skills underlying primary cell culture technique and be sufficiently skilled to independently perform such work and instruct others as well. As well the role will involve the incumbent working closely with an interdisciplinary team to tackle cutting-edge challenges in organoid work.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The Research Technician reports directly to Dr. Bruce Vallance and Dr Andy Sham and liaise with other members of Dr. Vallance's research group, including co-investigators, researchers, research assistants, post-doctoral fellows, students and staff.

WORK PERFORMED

• Process intestinal biopsies for organoid isolation derived from patient samples and maintain collection records
• Oversee the daily operation of the lab’s organoid maintenance, including culturing and passaging of intestinal organoid cultures.
• Prepare organoid media and performing routine testing to identify possible contamination following the lab’s SOPs.
• Perform routine standardized assays to evaluate organoid quality and function
• Maintain inventory of organoid lines
• Plan and perform experiments; troubleshoot problems; collect, record, analyse and interpret experimental results with senior staff
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook
• Once sufficiently experienced, provide training to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as new and lower level technicians in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.
• Set up, test, operate and maintain common laboratory equipment and laboratory reagents.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

The successful applicant will exercise a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the unit.

Errors made could compromise the results of research projects, and therefore impact the credibility of the Unit, Centre, Institute and individual Investigator(s).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The successful applicant will work under minimal supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees at lower classifications in which case the successful applicant is responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

MINUM 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as a microbiology, immunology and biochemistry would be an asset.

Expertise in general cell culture using cell lines or primary human cells.

Minimum of 3 years related laboratory experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Prior experience working in a laboratory environment is mandatory

Ability to exercise sound judgement, responsibility, and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.

Demonstrated ability to meet short- and long-term project deadlines.

Strong time management and organization skills.