Research Assistant Tech I Barker

Staff - Union

Job Category

BCGEU Okanagan Support Staff

Job Profile

BCGEU OK Hourly - Research Assistant and Technician I

Job Title

Research Assistant Tech I - Barker

Department

UBCO Research Support Barker Department of Biology Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$26.10 - $29.93 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date

January 15 2026

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

Job End Date

February 1 2027

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 :

This position works with and assists the Principal Investigators in the research lab. The responsibilities cover a range of tasks that will vary according to the time of the year projects under way and the needs of the Principal Investigators.

Over 200 commercial antibody manufacturers have brought over 1.6 million antibodies targeting human proteins to market. However work from our group and others has revealed that depending upon the application up to 60% of antibodies available commercially do not work as recommended by manufacturers. To address this problem we and colleagues at McGill University have created two UBC antibody characterization cores (UBC-ACC and McGill-ACC) that use a rigorous antibody validation strategy to systematically evaluate commercially available antibodies. The major antibody suppliers recognize that there is a crucial need for an unbiased antibody testing platform and are collaborating with us on this effort.

Working under the supervision of the UBC-ACC platform manager this position will be responsible for contributing to antibody characterization studies focused on protein targets relevant to cancer biology.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS :

This position will be supervised by Dr. Phil Barker and the UBC-ACC Platform Manager.

WORK PERFORMED :

Maintain rigorous records and databases

Perform antibody characterization studies using established protocols (Western blot immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence)

Perform cell culture

Develop and optimize protocols for new antibody-based applications

Compile data prepare data figures and contribute to antibody characterization reports

Ordering inventorying and storing supplies

Lab organizational and cleaning duties

Other duties as assigned

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR / IMPACT OF DECISIONS :

This project has involvement from numerous stakeholders who are expecting the UBC-ACC to deliver rigorous antibody validation studies that will affect stakeholder project decisions budgets and impact the quality of future research. Errors in the management and delivery of the UBC-ACC will negatively affect financial and operational decisions of our stakeholders and severely compromise our legitimacy as a trusted validation platform. This will imperil the ability of the UBC-ACC to garner funds and thwart platform sustainability efforts.

SUPERVISION GIVEN :

This position may provide assignments to and direction to technical support staff.

This position may supervise and train colleague employees graduate students.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Work will be performed in a Biosafety Lab performing antibody-based research.

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 ones own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones own awareness knowledge and skills related to equity diversity and inclusion

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Training in biochemistry cellular biology molecular biology or a related field

Expertise demonstrated in skills relevant to antibody characterization (Western blot immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence)

Experience with antibody-based research

Strong organization skills attention to detail and priority setting skills

Able to adapt to task changes within an evolving project

Ability to work autonomously in a complex changing deadline-oriented environment

Strong oral communication and writing skills (both English and French)

Experience with cell culture

Able to adapt to changing priorities

Ability to work in a complex deadline-oriented environment

Meticulous demonstrated attention to detail

Demonstrated ability to build active working relationships with multiple partners and collaborators

Required Experience :

Junior IC

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience,Spss,Data Collection,DNA Isolation,Stata,Biochemistry,Qualitative Research Interviewing,Research Experience,Statistical Software,Molecular Biology,Research Laboratory Experience,Western Blot

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 26 - 29