R A jobs in North Vancouver, BC

The Research Assistant conducts complex molecular biology laboratory procedures that produce high quality results in support of the BC-CfE’s clinical activities. This work will generate clinically-reportable test results for healthcare providers in the BC-CfE Precision Medicine Program.

Education

• BSc Degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in biological, chemical or physical sciences, clinical laboratory science or medical technology.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ recent related laboratory experience performing relevant procedures using related equipment (e.g., biological specimen handling, DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR gel electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing, HPLC-MSMS) and troubleshooting non-conforming procedures and equipment
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of molecular biology concepts and techniques. Knowledge of analytical chemistry concepts and techniques would be an asset.
• Exceptional analytical and reasoning skills
• Proven understanding of experiment design, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with others
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work on several projects simultaneously, maintain accuracy and adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of computerized systems utilized in laboratories and current software applications such as MS Office Applications.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Willingness and ability to work with biohazardous materials.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

For precision medicine programs:

• Proven understanding of the rigour and quality standards required in clinical laboratory service delivery.

• A competitive salary.
• State-of-the-art facilities: The new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will be the most innovative approach to the delivery of integrated care in B.C. and Canada, designed to appropriately address the future health needs of patients, families, and our communities. From hospital care to primary and community health solutions, the new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will continue to lead innovations in care, research, and teaching. The new St. Paul’s Hospital is expected to open in 2027.
• Inclusive culture: We respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons. We value the cultural richness that our diverse workforce brings to the care of our equally diverse population of patients and residents.

Your Day to Day:

• Performs complex laboratory procedures (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing) involving potentially infectious biological specimens and analyzes data to produce reportable results to clinicians, physicians or researchers.
• Adheres to laboratory policies and procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), quality control and quality assurance standards, and complies with safety regulations and accreditation requirements. Adapts to changes in policy and procedures and provides input to these changes as required.
• Maintains accurate, high-quality documentation of all laboratory procedures and processes in accordance with accreditation requirements and/or applicable research standards by recording them the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and/or lab notebook.
• Documents and runs controls, collects control data and records problems or potential problems with procedures and equipment in accordance with applicable standards.
• Performs routine maintenance on laboratory equipment by following established policies, procedures and SOPs; maintains supplies of laboratory consumables and reagents in collaboration with Laboratory Manager.
• Assists in establishing and revising laboratory policies and procedures including preparing and updating laboratory manuals for approval, maintaining appropriate quality assurance documentation, and ensuring compliance with current safety requirements.
• Maintains current knowledge of advances in laboratory technology by attending seminars, lectures, meetings and professional conferences.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The BC-CFE is a world-renowned HIV/AIDS Centre with an innovative, low-barrier approach to healthcare delivery in clinical practice and an integrated group of research concentrations in Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Trials, Population Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics and Professional Education Programs. A multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including Physicians, Nurses, and peers, and researchers, including Health Economists, Epidemiologists, Clinical Researchers, Statisticians, Programmers, and Data Analysts, work collaboratively to improve the health of British Columbians with HIV and communities facing socioeconomic barriers in accessing healthcare.

We acknowledge that the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.