Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 4

Department

Song Laboratory | Department of Psychology | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$5,220.98 - $6,124.46 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

April 27, 2026

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

Job End Date

April 30, 2027

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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

The position is responsible for the day-to-day research, technical, financial, and personnel operations of the Song Lab, a neuroscience research laboratory focused on neurodegenerative diseases, mainly Alzheimer’s disease. The incumbent works closely with the Principal Investigator to support experimental research, oversee laboratory infrastructure, manage budgets and personnel, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to the strategic planning and execution of the lab’s research projects.

This position requires extensive hands-on expertise in molecular, cellular, and animal-based behavioural techniques, as well as demonstrated leadership in managing a complex research laboratory environment.

Organizational Status

This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Weihong Song, and will be part of a multidisciplinary research team composed of graduate students, undergraduate trainees, and technical staff. The Song Lab employs mouse models, cell culture systems, and molecular and behavioural approaches to investigate brain function and pathology, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease.

The position serves as the primary administrative, technical, and operational contact for the laboratory within the University and with external collaborators, vendors, and regulatory bodies.

Work Performed

Laboratory Operations and Research Support

ü Oversees the daily operations of the neuroscience research laboratory to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant research activities.

ü Maintains and oversees laboratory infrastructure and equipment, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of repairs.

ü Provides hands-on technical expertise and training in techniques including:

o Western blotting, ELISAs, and qPCR

o Histology, immunohistochemistry, and brain tissue processing

o Quantification and analysis of brain histology data

o Molecular cloning, transfections, and related molecular biology techniques

o Behavioral testing in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease

ü Oversees and manages a laboratory brain bank, including tissue inventory, documentation, quality control, and access procedures.

Animal Research, Biosafety, and Compliance

ü Ensures compliance with institutional, provincial, and federal regulations governing animal research and biosafety.

ü Prepares, submits, and maintains documentation for animal ethics approvals, CCAC protocols, biosafety permits, and renewals.

ü Develops, writes, and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory, animal, and experimental workflows.

Research Administration and Project Coordination

ü Assists in the preparation, editing, and submission of research grant applications, progress and donor reports, and funding agency documentation.

ü Supports manuscript preparation and, student progress reports

ü Coordinates research projects, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.

ü Organizes laboratory meetings and project coordination meetings.

ü Develops relationships with suppliers and negotiates the purchase of equipment and consumables.

ü Coordinates recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding of laboratory staff and trainees.

ü Supervises, trains, and provides guidance to students and staff in laboratory techniques, safety practices, and research workflows.

Communication and Liaison

ü Acts as the laboratory representative and liaison with other research groups, institutional units, external collaborators, and vendors.

ü Maintains laboratory documentation, records, and web presence as required.

Performs other related duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The position exercises a high level of judgment, responsibility, and initiative. Errors in financial oversight, regulatory compliance, or laboratory operations may result in funding over-expenditures, compliance violations, research delays, or reputational risk to the Principal Investigator and the institution. Discretion and professionalism are required when handling sensitive personnel, animal ethics, and research information.

Supervision Received

Works independently under the general direction of the Principal Investigator. Establishes priorities and manages workload autonomously, seeking guidance on matters involving significant policy, ethical, or financial implications.
Supervision Given

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

• 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

• Graduate degree required in neuroscience, biochemistry, biology, or a closely related discipline. A PhD in Neuroscience preferred.
• Hands on experience directly related to laboratory and research management.
• Extensive hands-on experience with molecular, cellular, and animal-based molecular and behavioural techniques.
• Demonstrated experience managing a molecular or neuroscience laboratory, including personnel, equipment, and budgets.
• Experience with animal models of neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
• Proven experience writing and maintaining protocols for biosafety, animal ethics, and regulatory compliance, including CACC.
• Experience managing large research budgets and coordinating multiple funded research projects.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of broader research objectives.

• Experience using and maintaining research equipment in a molecular research laboratory.

• Ability to analyze complex issues and contribute to effective solutions.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and adaptability in a fast-paced research environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and respond flexibly to evolving research needs.

About Us

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.