Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

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
Histopathology Technician to perform histologic staining, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, in situ hybridization and other histological techniques on human tissue.

Organizational Status
ICORD is a world leading health research centre focused on spinal cord injury. From the lab-based cellular level of understanding injury to rehabilitation and recovery, our researchers are dedicated to the development and translation of more effective strategies to promote prevention, functional recovery, and improved quality of life after spinal cord injury. Located at Vancouver General Hospital in the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, ICORD is supported by UBC Faculties of Medicine and Science, and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Visit www.icord.org.

The Hirsch-Reinshagen lab is focused on understanding the cell-specific changes underlying spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders using histology-based approaches. The employee will report to the principal investigator and assist one or two graduate students with their research project. They will also liaise with ICORD administrative staff for facilities-related issues and will provide training on equipment use and lab safety protocols for other lab members when appropriate.

Work Performed
Performs sectioning of paraffin embedded and frozen tissue, and histological staining, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence staining, in situ hybridization and other histopathologic techniques. Analyzes results, troubleshoots procedures and interprets results.

Performs microscopy using brightfield and fluorescent microscopes, including image capture and archiving.

Organizes laboratory and stock, maintains inventory, replenishing/ordering supplies as required

Prepares and/or maintains media, buffers, reagents, solutions, cultures and related material for routine laboratory use.

Responsible for appropriate waste disposal and recycling, in accordance to UBC’s waste management guidelines and procedures.

Provides training to post-doc fellows as well as new and junior level technicians and students in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.

Procures laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment using UBC credit card and purchase orders; follows up on outstanding orders, investigates and resolves errors.

Reconciles credit card expenses and pays PO invoices in Workday.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to supervisor. The work is checked by the principal investigator, collaborators, or other senior technologists. The technician is expected to use the appropriate judgment in the execution of the duties and to work under minimal supervision. “Carelessness during the performance of research duties could reduce the quality of research conducted in the lab and jeopardize the lab’s ability to secure future funding by competing for research grants. Inappropriate judgment could also result in the revocation of ethics and chemical safety certifications for the lab.

Supervision Received
Reports to the PI of the laboratory. Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.

Supervision Given
Acts as a resource for new lab members; may supervise students, volunteers, and new staff as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- 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

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. A registered technician diploma, BSc, BMLSc, or MSc are preferred.

Excellent organization and multitasking skills required.

Attention to detail required.

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at an advanced level required.

Experience in histological imaging and image analysis with quantification is preferred.

Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment is required.