Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title
Research Assistant /Technician 3

Department
Subramaniam Laboratory | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
January 28, 2026

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 highly motivated Research Assistant/Tech 3 to support PROGENITER, a multi-year research program to develop therapeutics that target infectious diseases at an accelerated pace. The successful candidate will be responsible for the production and purification of proteins and protein complexes of interest to the research program and will be closely involved in testing of protein activity using a variety of in vitro and cell-based assays. We are looking for a dynamic and self-motivated team player who thrives in a fast-paced and challenging lab environment.
Organizational Status

PROGENITER is a University of British Columbia-affiliated, nationally recognized, multi-year research program to enable the rapid design, engineering, and production of antibody leads against present and future viral diseases to ensure Canada is better prepared for the next pandemic. PROGENITER is a key component of Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH). Our interdisciplinary team of researchers, students, staff, and industry partners work together to discover, test, and advance therapeutics that target infectious diseases at an accelerated pace. This mission aligns with CIEBH’s vision for rapidly responding to new health threats and Canada’s national pandemic preparedness strategy (BLSS).

The incumbent will report to Dr. Sriram Subramaniam, the Director of PROGENITER and will work closely with the other members of the research team, including Research Technicians, Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Students.
Work Performed

• Perform molecular cloning, propagation and purification of plasmids

• Perform recombinant protein expression in E. coli, insect and mammalian cell culture systems

• Perform protein purification using techniques such as FPLC affinity chromatography, SEC, IEX, and preparation of samples for subsequent analysis

• Perform protein characterization using techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, DSF, BLI, plate reader-based biochemical assays

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and develop cell-based assays

• Maintain detailed lab notebook and communicate experimental results to the supervisor and other members of the lab on a regular basis

• Analyze, interpret, and communicate biochemical data with proficiency 

• Operate and maintain essential biochemical equipment including benchtop instruments, small and large centrifuges and autoclave

• Restock laboratory consumables as needed

• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned, aligning with the qualifications and requirements of positions within this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failure to maintain a high standard of work and consistent communication between team members and the supervisors will result in project delays and affect the quality of research output, which may impact working conditions, reputation, and funding for the research group and UBC.
Failure to follow all applicable safety precautions, including a thorough risk assessment before conducting an experiment, may result in serious injury to the incumbent and others in the surrounding area.
Supervision Received
Once trained, the technician is expected to work independently, following established protocols, but in close communication with other team members. Dr. Sriram Subramaniam will supervise the technician.
Supervision Given
The technician is not required to supervise anyone.
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

A degree in biology, biotechnology, or biochemistry is preferred, with 3–5 years of related research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Experience with the following is preferred:
- PCR and cloning techniques, including bacterial transformation and plasmid purification
- Aseptic techniques for handling bacterial and mammalian cell cultures
- In-depth experience with protein purification and characterization
- Familiarity with mammalian cell line culturing
- Experience with transient expression of plasmids in mammalian cell lines
- Familiarity with plate-based luminescent/fluorescent assays
- Aptitude for learning new technologies, including instrumentation and software
- Ability to prioritize work and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Demonstration of detailed record-keeping and data documentation
- Strong interpersonal skills, including maintaining professional working relationships within a diverse research group.
- Proficiency with standard computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office)