Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 1

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 1

Department

Sorensen Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,232.75 - $4,642.27 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

August 19, 2026

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

Job End Date

August 31, 2027

The anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 2026. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension.

In your application please include (1) a cover letter, and (2) a CV or resume.

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.

The basic and translational research performed in the Sorensen laboratory seeks to improve basic knowledge and treatment options in Ewing sarcoma and other high-risk pediatric cancers. This position will involves assisting senior research staff in evaluating metabolic adaptation mechanisms that confer resistance to glutathione (GSH) depletion in Ewing sarcoma. The Research Assistant (RA) will assist, under supervision, in organizing the laboratory and assist with routine biochemical, molecular, and cell-based analyses.

Organizational Status
The Sorensen Lab is located at the BC Cancer Research Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The RA reports directly to the Principal Investigator and study leads within the research group.

Work Performed

• Assists with routine cell culture maintenance and preparation for assays.
• Performs basic literature research relevant to the project.
• Assist in the maintenance of laboratory or shared equipment
• Assist in media preparations
• Performs sample preparation according to established laboratory protocols and to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Assist with daily maintenance and care of mice. Keep an up-to-date record of mice and mouse cages using Mosaic software.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
When dealing with laboratory chemicals, the incumbent will exercise judgement based on the Biosafety and Laboratory Safety provided by online training modules. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment at all times and if in doubt seek advice from those that they may report to.

Supervision Received
The Research Assistant will work mostly independently from day to day. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Principal Investigator with additional guidance provided by the study leads, and will be expected to report their results to them regularly.

Supervision Given
None but may explain protocols to others (e.g. undergraduate students).

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

Undergraduate degree in a cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline preferred. Experience in laboratory bench work from the same or similar research field would be a key asset. Knowledge of scientific terminology and research methodology.

Skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including effective interpersonal, oral and listening skills. Attention to detail.
• Good organizational skills are essential to plan experiments efficiently, track progress and provide clear and timely updates to study team members.