Research Platform Manager

Job Summary

The Research Platform Manager will be responsible for operational leadership and day to day management of FINDER, including the development of research projects and partnerships, oversight of security protocols, and stakeholder communications. FINDER is a Containment Level 3 (CL3) facility required for work with Risk Group 3 (RG3) pathogens, with an adjacent Containment Level 2 (CL2) facility. FINDER is a shared research platform of the Vice-President Research & Innovation portfolio.

Duties include working with UBC Safety and Risk Services, UBC Animal Care Services, FINDER Scientific Advisor, FINDER Steering Committee, and VPRI Shared Platforms Manager to oversee and ensure annual facility certification testing, research project management, supervision and performance management of technical staff, infrastructure acquisition, contract services, training and advising of research techniques, biosafety procedures, and animal handling.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to work under CL3 conditions including enrolment in medical surveillance. There are inherent risks associated with experiments performed using RG3 agents. Please reference the .

Organizational Status

Reports administratively to the VPRI Shared Research Platform Manager, receives scientific direction from the FINDER Scientific Advisor, and works with considerable latitude. The incumbent is expected to work with minimal supervision. The Manager supervises up to 4 technicians, and works closely with Principal Investigators who use the facility, Building Operations, LSI administration and UBC Safety and Risk Services, and other staff members of the VPRI portfolio.

Work Performed

• Develops and implements policies and standard operating procedures for client services.

• Conducts research-training sessions of the facility policies/protocols. These include biosafety procedures, animal handling, use of scientific and decontamination equipment required for a CL3 facility.

• Forecasts future capability needs by assessing equipment of current and potential clients, and determines the feasibility of current infrastructure to respond to such needs.

• Oversees simultaneous experiments and their specific research requirements in FINDER.

• Collaborates in the development of grant proposals, research reports, and journal manuscripts, particularly with regard to technical aspects including the identification and development of methods required to perform studies to meet scientific and biosafety requirements. Provides support and expertise working with pathogens and animal research.

• Manages relationships with stakeholders and clients including all pertinent communication.

• In partnership with Animal Care Services, supports users with animal research requirements.

• Assesses the requirements of current and potential clients and determines the feasibility of current infrastructure for matching these requirements.

• Oversees the implementation of maintenance, upgrades, and renovation plans for all equipment, tools, and infrastructure for FINDER. Manages the shipping-receiving process of RG3 agents and animals, including importation. Liaises extensively with Animal Care Services to ensure research is carried forward appropriately.

• Manages human resources for FINDER. Provides mentorship and performance management to up to four technicians.

• Responsible for managing annual facility performance and verification tests per HPTR CL3 licensing requirements. Maintains HPTA licensing, based on required certifications.

• Conducts comparative analyses of vendors and service providers (itemizes requirements, specifications, timelines, cost, and contract terms), and negotiates contracts.

• Plans and manages the operational budget of FINDER in consultation with VPRI Senior Finance Officer and Shared Research Platforms Manager. Ensures financial activities are tracked and recorded; reviews research expenditures and ensures funds are being used in compliance with funding guidelines. Prepares budget projections as requested by Scientific Advisor, Steering Committee or VPRI Shared Platforms Manager.

• Develops and implements training programs for all users o to safely work in FINDER

• Is familiar with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) policies and requirements, and animal care protocols in place at the Centre for Disease Modeling. Manages and coordinates animal care support to FINDER researchers; manages animal husbandry technician for research animals within FINDER.

• Performs other duties as required

Consequence of Error

Error in the operation of the FINDER facility would negatively impact users and could incur significant research delays. Failure to maintain compliance with federal regulations and standards would jeopardize facility operation and potentially endanger the health of users. Poor attention to detail and erroneous data will negatively impact on the progress and direction of research projects, including those performed by other lab members. Valuable reagents, research time, and money would be lost. CL2 and CL3 hazards requires proper adherence to safe work practices to control the risk infection with RG2 and RG3 agents.

FINDER facility policy dictates loss of access privileges to the CL2 and CL3 labs and ability to work by anyone contravening FINDER operational practices.

Supervision Received

The position is under the general supervision of VPRI Shared Research Platforms Manager and receives scientific direction from the Scientific Advisor.

Supervision Given

Provides guidance, support and content advice/expertise to all faculty and staff working within the facility. This position supervises up to four full-time technicians.

The Manager is also responsible for ensuring the appropriate training in infectious agents, and animal husbandry for research animals within FINDER as required. Oversees activities of contract workers and service people in FINDER. Ensures safety policies are followed by all users by observation of work practices in the facility.

Minimum Qualifications

For research work, a post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation with a minimum of four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Otherwise, an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required with a minimum of six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Occupational Health and Safety Guidance: This position requires entry into a Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratory where exposure to Risk Group 3 (RG3) pathogens can cause serious disease in immune compromised individuals - whether due to medical conditions, pregnancy or certain medications. These individuals are unable to enter the CL3 facility.

• Experience working in and managing a CL-3 facility, including staff management and oversight of facility operations.

• 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

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Microbiology, Virology, or a related biomedical field is preferred.

• Relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, gained through research project responsibilities or comparable non-research operational roles.

• Demonstrated knowledge of CL2 biosafety principles and the ability to meet medical fitness requirements to work in a CL3 facility are preferred.

• Completion of the UBC CL3 facility training program and successful demonstration of knowledge of FINDER SOPs would be an asset; training may be provided to the successful candidate.

• Post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation if responsible for a research project Undergraduate degree if not responsible for a research project is preferred.

• Animal husbandry experience is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated prudent judgement under pressure and in situations of risk.

• Demonstrated experience in microbiology and tissue culture techniques, preparing and analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein samples.

• Working experience with small animal model of microbial infection preferred.

• Knowledge and experience with complex scientific analytical instrumentation (e.g., imaging systems, ultracentrifuges and spectrophotometers) is preferred.

• Excellent technical skills in microbiology, tissue culture of mammalian cells, and operation of computer-controlled scientific instrumentation.

• Excellent practical laboratory skills and conscientious attention to detail and task completion.

• Proven ability to learn new techniques and operation of complex scientific equipment.

• Computer experience required, including facility with Microsoft Office and inventory software.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and complete assignments autonomously.

• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, record-keeping and organization skills.

• Experience in provision of training in individual and small group formats.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, fast-paced team environment.