Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Laboratory Assistant
Job Title
Lab Assistant
Department
Aparicio Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$3,406.81 - $3,819.27 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
September 16, 2024
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Sept 30, 2025
The anticipated start date for this position is October 1, 2024. The term is for one year with the possibility of extension.
In your application please include (1) a cover letter, and (2) a CV or resume.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Lab Assistant – Wet Lab and Computational
This entry-level position is great for a recent post-secondary graduate looking to start a career in science. The position involves assisting senior research staff in understanding and decoding the molecular mechanism responsible for breast cancer development and progression, particularly of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer subtype. The incumbent will gain new experience in both wet and dry labs. The wet lab component involves assisting with basic lab maintenance involving preparation of lab media, maintenance of research equipment and managing lab supplies and inventory. The dry lab component will involve assisting with the running of data samples through routine and well-established automated computational pipelines under the guidance of senior research staff. The successful applicant will work full-time under the direction and supervision of Dr. Samuel Aparicio, the Principal Investigator, the Laboratory Research and Operations manager and the Computational Lead. This position will provide the candidate with exposure in an academic research lab environment in both wet and dry lab settings, as well as, providing opportunities to learn about breast cancer.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Aparicio lab uses the latest technologies to rapidly identify genes that are involved in the development of breast cancer. Through the use of single-cell genome and transcriptome methods for tracking clonal trajectories at the single-cell level in patient tissues, we hope to gain a better understanding of tumor microenvironment.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS:
Aparicio Lab is located in the Department of Molecular Oncology at BC Cancer Research Institute in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The candidate will report directly to Dr. Samuel Aparicio, or Laboratory and Research Operation Manager.
WORK PERFORMED:
- Assist in basic lab maintenance
- Assist in the maintenance of laboratory or shared equipment
- Perform routine cleanup of shared spaces.
- Assist in media preparations
- Assist in performing kit-based sample extraction of DNA under the supervision of senior research staff.
- Assist in stocking of laboratory supplies and updating and maintenance of lab inventory
- Assist in managing and archiving sequencing and analyzed result data
- Assist in the initialization of established and full-automated computational pipeline for analysis
- Carries out any other related duties as assigned or required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of this level of assistant.
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR:
The work is of a complex nature and required high level of training, tasks are assigned daily and will be under direct supervision by senior staff. Errors may result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable tissue samples, loss of thousands of dollars of material and/or damage to equipment. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly. Noncompliance with biosafety and chemical safety regulations may also result in closure of facility or loss of grant funding.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
The successful applicant will work under direct supervision, from oral instructions to following established standard operating procedures. This position will report to the Principal Investigator, Laboratory Research and Operations Manager or Computational Lead.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum a high school graduate or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preference will be given to applicants with post-secondary education.
- Basic or school knowledge and understanding of biological science and molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction and purification. Any hands-on lab experience is considered a great asset.
- Preference will be given to applicants with previous lab experience from work or school.
- Great interpersonal skills, communication skills (orally and written) and the ability to interact positively and productively with other team members are essential.
- Excellent documentation and organizational skills.
- The successful candidate must be well-organized, conscientious, understand the importance of detail, and be able to multi-task and prioritize duties effectively.