Gnotobiotic Research Assistant/Technician
About the role
Staff - Union
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Job Title
Gnotobiotic Research Assistant/Technician
Department
Research l Tropini I Department of Microbiology I Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
August 31, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
September 30, 2026
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
This individual will play a major role in providing animal health, welfare, and other animal care duties in the UBC Gnotobiotic Research facilities hosted in Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM). This is a full-time position as a co-supervised member of the Osborne and Tropini labs in the UBC Department of Microbiology & Immunology.
The Gnotobiotic Research Assistant will be responsible for maintenance and care of small laboratory animals housed in germ-free or gnotobiotic isolators or dedicated caging systems, including facility cleanliness and maintaining adequate supplies of food and bedding materials, ensuring sterility, training personnel and providing adequate sanitation and custodial work. The successful incumbent will ensure the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support.
The Animal Care Technician will work together with other technicians and veterinarians in a time-sensitive, regulated environment governed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC). This position requires strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures that prevent accidental introduction of disease or confounding research variables.
Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous material or may be located in areas where such materials are used. Will require the use of personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator. The work is physical, including lifting up to 35 kgs. Work schedules will regularly include weekends, and may occasionally include evenings or statutory holidays, with appropriate compensation. This position will be expected to work independently with supervisory support available. Orientation and training will be provided on the job.
This position offers a unique working environment within the University of British Columbia.
Organizational Status
The Gnotobiotic Research Assistant will receive direction and report to the Gnotobiotic Research Manager and Principal Investigators (PI’s) Drs Tropini and Osborne. They will also work with Zone Supervisor & other animal care technicians within the CDM and UBC registered veterinary technicians and Clinical Veterinarians. Regular meetings with the Gnotobiotic Research Manager and the research teams involved with the Gnotobiotic facility will facilitate success.
Work Performed
The successful candidate will provide consistent, efficient, high quality, compassionate care to all animals in the Gnotobiotic Facility.
Responsible for providing basic husbandry (handling, restraint, cage change and health, behavior and welfare surveillance) of small laboratory animal species in accordance with Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines. This includes: animal handling; inventories and record keeping for each animal; assisting with breeding colony maintenance (setting up breeding pairs feeding, weaning, and keeping records of activity/health); performing rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; preparing health reports; isolating infected or ill animals and reporting to veterinarian; general housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.
Maintain and manage several germ free (GF) colonies in CDM, with strict adherence to isolation and containment SOPs to ensure safety of CDM and the GF colony. Proven knowledge in aseptic and sterile technique is a must. Maintain an extensive inventory of food, bedding, water and other supplies necessary for GF isolators/racks. Monitor and report on consumables and GF equipment as needed, using established protocols. Assist with set-up/tear down of GF equipment for sterilization as needed. Report needs for CDM staff and lab member training on GF procedures to the Gnoto Manager, as needed. Monitor for, assess and report any GF specific health conditions to ensure optimal colony health. Prepare supplies required for GF colonies, with direction from the Gnoto Manager: process, transfer and ensure full sterility of all GF supplies introduced to the GF colonies. Collect samples for monitoring GF/gnotobiotic status of isolators. As needed, perform laboratory techniques such as media preparation, cell/fecal cultures, including anaerobic and aerobic culture for the GF colonies to verify sterility and GF status of colonies.
Occasionally, assist with receiving or packing live animal shipments, including receiving new orders of GF mice into isolators or GF caging, following strict protocols to ensure GF status is maintained.
Support students with mouse experiments.
Package, label, process biological, biochemical, radioactive and hazardous materials out of the facility.
Contribute to maintenance, cleanliness and organization of cages, equipment, surgical and storage facilities, and storeroom supplies. Perform routine cleaning of animal lodging facilities.
Follow all safety standards, standard operating procedures and policies.
Assist CDM research staff and users with animal care procedures and techniques.
Recommend revisions to existing policies and procedures to Gnoto Manager, lab supervisors/PIs.
Maintain required courses, certifications and testing.
Treat confidentially all information related to research projects, personnel, and locations, and agrees not to disclose any such information to any person except as may be necessary in the proper discharge of work obligations.
Keep abreast of developments in the area of expertise and participating in continuing education programs. Follows gnoto-listserv community email for advances, new procedures, and options for GF studies.
Perform other related tasks as required. As an example, with proper training and supervision, the successful applicant may be asked to perform minor surgeries and techniques, including blood, tissue and organ collection or cesarean rederivation into GF conditions, under the supervision of the supervisor, Veterinarian or lab member.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The incumbent must be willing to pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place; however, there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and provide input into the direction of the project. This position requires some initiative and judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems would be referred to the supervisor. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/or disruption or ruination of a research study. Failure to follow GF SOPs will result in ruination of entire colonies and studies. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may impact the success of the facility, leading to increased expenses, interruptions to research, time loss, and reputational damage.
Supervision Received
Work under direction of Gnoto Manager, lab supervisors/PIs and coordinate with lab members. Receive instructions during orientation, on subsequent new assignments, on changes in procedures, and on unusual problems or matters which are not covered under established SOPs and policies. Carries out familiar duties and responsibilities under general supervision.
Supervision Given
The incumbent may initiate new CDM employees into routines, procedures, and operation of gnotobiotic equipment. May instruct co-workers, researchers, and their staff in techniques and procedures; and ensure adherence to established SOPs and policies.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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. B.Sc. degree in an animal- and/or Microbiology related field. Experience working with small animals in a research capacity. ). A minimum one-year experience with mouse handling is preferred. A sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science. Any experience with GF/gnotobiotic experience in isolators and/or isolation caging with minimal/zero failure helpful. Ability to work effectively independently in a team environment.
Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the job: work with high humidity, variable temperatures, and continuous exposure to animal dander, odours, excreta, dust, and noise; independently be able to walk and stand for extended periods, lift, carry, and move up to 35 kg objects over a distance while wearing a full-face respirator; perform repetitive tasks; good manual dexterity, mobility, auditory, olfactory, and visual skills.
Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., rack and tunnel washers, autoclaves, dry heat oven, floor cleaning machine, industrial washers and dryers, bedding vacuum and dispensing system, bottle filling system, and high pressure spray units).
Ability to effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, NTM eSirius, Mosaic Vivarium).
Ability to read and comprehend technical material.
Ability to work weekends is preferred, some evenings and statutory holidays.
Ability to work flexible shifts/hours to accommodate lab needs is preferred.
Be willing to maintain and upgrade training.
Ability to train others.
Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines.
Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.
Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
Ability to effectively resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment.
Ability to exercise tact and discretion.
Gnotobiotic Research Assistant/Technician
About the role
Staff - Union
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Job Title
Gnotobiotic Research Assistant/Technician
Department
Research l Tropini I Department of Microbiology I Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
August 31, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
September 30, 2026
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
This individual will play a major role in providing animal health, welfare, and other animal care duties in the UBC Gnotobiotic Research facilities hosted in Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM). This is a full-time position as a co-supervised member of the Osborne and Tropini labs in the UBC Department of Microbiology & Immunology.
The Gnotobiotic Research Assistant will be responsible for maintenance and care of small laboratory animals housed in germ-free or gnotobiotic isolators or dedicated caging systems, including facility cleanliness and maintaining adequate supplies of food and bedding materials, ensuring sterility, training personnel and providing adequate sanitation and custodial work. The successful incumbent will ensure the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support.
The Animal Care Technician will work together with other technicians and veterinarians in a time-sensitive, regulated environment governed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC). This position requires strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures that prevent accidental introduction of disease or confounding research variables.
Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous material or may be located in areas where such materials are used. Will require the use of personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator. The work is physical, including lifting up to 35 kgs. Work schedules will regularly include weekends, and may occasionally include evenings or statutory holidays, with appropriate compensation. This position will be expected to work independently with supervisory support available. Orientation and training will be provided on the job.
This position offers a unique working environment within the University of British Columbia.
Organizational Status
The Gnotobiotic Research Assistant will receive direction and report to the Gnotobiotic Research Manager and Principal Investigators (PI’s) Drs Tropini and Osborne. They will also work with Zone Supervisor & other animal care technicians within the CDM and UBC registered veterinary technicians and Clinical Veterinarians. Regular meetings with the Gnotobiotic Research Manager and the research teams involved with the Gnotobiotic facility will facilitate success.
Work Performed
The successful candidate will provide consistent, efficient, high quality, compassionate care to all animals in the Gnotobiotic Facility.
Responsible for providing basic husbandry (handling, restraint, cage change and health, behavior and welfare surveillance) of small laboratory animal species in accordance with Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines. This includes: animal handling; inventories and record keeping for each animal; assisting with breeding colony maintenance (setting up breeding pairs feeding, weaning, and keeping records of activity/health); performing rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; preparing health reports; isolating infected or ill animals and reporting to veterinarian; general housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.
Maintain and manage several germ free (GF) colonies in CDM, with strict adherence to isolation and containment SOPs to ensure safety of CDM and the GF colony. Proven knowledge in aseptic and sterile technique is a must. Maintain an extensive inventory of food, bedding, water and other supplies necessary for GF isolators/racks. Monitor and report on consumables and GF equipment as needed, using established protocols. Assist with set-up/tear down of GF equipment for sterilization as needed. Report needs for CDM staff and lab member training on GF procedures to the Gnoto Manager, as needed. Monitor for, assess and report any GF specific health conditions to ensure optimal colony health. Prepare supplies required for GF colonies, with direction from the Gnoto Manager: process, transfer and ensure full sterility of all GF supplies introduced to the GF colonies. Collect samples for monitoring GF/gnotobiotic status of isolators. As needed, perform laboratory techniques such as media preparation, cell/fecal cultures, including anaerobic and aerobic culture for the GF colonies to verify sterility and GF status of colonies.
Occasionally, assist with receiving or packing live animal shipments, including receiving new orders of GF mice into isolators or GF caging, following strict protocols to ensure GF status is maintained.
Support students with mouse experiments.
Package, label, process biological, biochemical, radioactive and hazardous materials out of the facility.
Contribute to maintenance, cleanliness and organization of cages, equipment, surgical and storage facilities, and storeroom supplies. Perform routine cleaning of animal lodging facilities.
Follow all safety standards, standard operating procedures and policies.
Assist CDM research staff and users with animal care procedures and techniques.
Recommend revisions to existing policies and procedures to Gnoto Manager, lab supervisors/PIs.
Maintain required courses, certifications and testing.
Treat confidentially all information related to research projects, personnel, and locations, and agrees not to disclose any such information to any person except as may be necessary in the proper discharge of work obligations.
Keep abreast of developments in the area of expertise and participating in continuing education programs. Follows gnoto-listserv community email for advances, new procedures, and options for GF studies.
Perform other related tasks as required. As an example, with proper training and supervision, the successful applicant may be asked to perform minor surgeries and techniques, including blood, tissue and organ collection or cesarean rederivation into GF conditions, under the supervision of the supervisor, Veterinarian or lab member.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The incumbent must be willing to pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place; however, there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and provide input into the direction of the project. This position requires some initiative and judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems would be referred to the supervisor. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/or disruption or ruination of a research study. Failure to follow GF SOPs will result in ruination of entire colonies and studies. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may impact the success of the facility, leading to increased expenses, interruptions to research, time loss, and reputational damage.
Supervision Received
Work under direction of Gnoto Manager, lab supervisors/PIs and coordinate with lab members. Receive instructions during orientation, on subsequent new assignments, on changes in procedures, and on unusual problems or matters which are not covered under established SOPs and policies. Carries out familiar duties and responsibilities under general supervision.
Supervision Given
The incumbent may initiate new CDM employees into routines, procedures, and operation of gnotobiotic equipment. May instruct co-workers, researchers, and their staff in techniques and procedures; and ensure adherence to established SOPs and policies.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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. B.Sc. degree in an animal- and/or Microbiology related field. Experience working with small animals in a research capacity. ). A minimum one-year experience with mouse handling is preferred. A sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science. Any experience with GF/gnotobiotic experience in isolators and/or isolation caging with minimal/zero failure helpful. Ability to work effectively independently in a team environment.
Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the job: work with high humidity, variable temperatures, and continuous exposure to animal dander, odours, excreta, dust, and noise; independently be able to walk and stand for extended periods, lift, carry, and move up to 35 kg objects over a distance while wearing a full-face respirator; perform repetitive tasks; good manual dexterity, mobility, auditory, olfactory, and visual skills.
Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., rack and tunnel washers, autoclaves, dry heat oven, floor cleaning machine, industrial washers and dryers, bedding vacuum and dispensing system, bottle filling system, and high pressure spray units).
Ability to effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, NTM eSirius, Mosaic Vivarium).
Ability to read and comprehend technical material.
Ability to work weekends is preferred, some evenings and statutory holidays.
Ability to work flexible shifts/hours to accommodate lab needs is preferred.
Be willing to maintain and upgrade training.
Ability to train others.
Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines.
Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.
Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
Ability to effectively resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment.
Ability to exercise tact and discretion.