Research Assistant/Technician 4

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4

Job Title
Research Assistant/Technician 4

Department
LSI Proteomics and Metabolomics | Life Sciences Institute | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range
$5,220.98 - $6,124.46 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
July 14, 2025

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

Job End Date

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

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented technician to coordinate, facilitate, and assist in delivering high quality metabolomics and lipidomics services to be offered through the Proteomics & Metabolomics Core Facility. Independent planning, performing, and analyzing data from a wide variety of samples, for targeted and/or untargeted analysis by mass spectrometry for academic research clients. Precise preparation of samples, operation of mass spectrometry systems, and analysis of mass spectrometry data. Supervising and teaching other staff and undergraduate research assistants.

Organizational Status
This position will report directly to the Operations Manager, with dotted-line reporting to the Academic Director of the Facility. Will consult with the whole leadership team when problems are encountered and when new methods are being used.  Will assist graduate students with techniques. Will train and supervise other technicians and undergraduate research assistants. Fully responsible for independent experiments and outcomes. Responsible for aiding clients in the expectations and explanations of experiments and results
Work Performed
Will be responsible for designing and executing analyses of client samples. Preparation of samples for mass spectrometric analysis. Receive samples from clients, analyze samples and report results back. Track activities in an on-line sample-tracking system. Develop and improve analytical methods. Use and perform maintenance on highly sensitive UPLCs and mass spectrometers. Manual validation of software provided results. Attend weekly lab meetings. Supervise another technician and undergraduate research assistants. Train other staff and students. Consult with and communicate with clients of the facility.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the unit. Poor decisions could delay the timely completion of the project, compromise results obtained from experiments, or be damaging to the reputation of the facility. In addition, the impact, if an error occurred, would be a misinterpretation of results in the information disseminated to decision-makers and in publications.
Supervision Received
Works independently under general direction from the Operations Manager. Technical and strategic guidance provided as needed by the Academic Director and senior team members.
Supervision Given
Coordinates lab activities and provides direct supervision and training to undergraduate research assistants and junior technical staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.
- 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

Graduate degree in life science, with experience in metabolomics and/or lipidomics sample handling and data processing.

Preferred Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of modern molecular biology techniques is an asset. Experience using UPLC systems, high resolution MS/MS systems, and metabolomics/lipidomics data analysis techniques (such as MS-DIAL, Metabo-Analyst, Metaboscape, Skyline). Ability to use standard office software and other job-related equipment. Effective oral and written communication, analytical, interpersonal, record-keeping, and organizational skills required. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Accuracy and attention to detail required. Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment.