Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 2

Department

Research | Horwitz | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$4,696.00 - $5,140.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

June 26, 2026

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

Job End Date

August 31, 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
Under supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Bioinformatics Technician will perform and analyze the results of data analysis pipelines and data management systems. Specifically, the analysis of DNA and RNA sequencing data produced as a result of multiple ongoing laboratory projects. Will develop and maintain bioinformatics pipelines, and apply innovative computational and statistical methods.

Organizational Status
The individual will report directly to the Dr. Horwitz (PI) weekly. Will also work with senior graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows whose projects will be supported by the data analysis. Will initially work under close supervision but is expected to work with minimal supervision once proficiency in the duties assigned has been established.

Work Performed
Bioinformatics support - Dry lab position that will entail using bioinformatics to analyze RNAseq data. The personnel is expected to be proficient in R, command line, and cloud computing. They must have at least two years of experience in bioinformatics and can work independently on multiple projects in the lab. The personnel will report directly to the Principal Investigator on a regular basis and is expected to present at group meetings.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work will be checked by the PI and discussed in weekly meetings, and as needed. Errors or inappropriate decisions will primarily impact research progress (milestones), and measures such as frequent meetings with the faculty member to avoid such occurrences will be taken. If an error occurred, valuable reagents, research time, and money could be lost.

Supervision Received
Initially, all experiments and organizational tasks will be performed under the direct supervision of the PI, or other trained personnel. Written and/or verbal protocols for all procedures will be provided. Once familiar with the techniques and procedures, supervision continue based on needs.

Supervision Given
We are looking for an independent and self-motivated individual with a thorough knowledge of best laboratory practices. Moreover, as the successful applicant becomes familiar with new protocols and procedures, they will be asked to transfer this knowledge to incoming team members and to assist in their instruction.

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

BSc in Virology, Immunology, or similar discipline preferred. Minimum two years of experience operating in a research laboratory required. Should be comfortable with spreadsheets, word processing, grant and report writing and manifest a demonstrated ability to organize and complete assignments without ongoing direction. Good interpersonal and practical laboratory skills and ability to calculate molarities for chemical solutions required. Expertise required in immunological assays. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to attend departmental seminars and will fully participate in project team meetings including associated journal discussion group. This includes presentation and discussion of experimental results generated by the applicant and published work described in the scientific literature. Must be able to follow and carry out instructions from PI. Must be able to carry out responsibilities independently. Interest and enthusiasm for scientific research.