Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Shakiba Lab - Research Technician in Early Embryo Models

Department

Shakiba Laboratory | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

May 21, 2026

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

Job End Date

June 30, 2027

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 School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine, established in 2017. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. Its vision is to transform health and healthcare for all, achieved through innovative research and education at the convergence of engineering, medicine and biology. Through collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches and building on UBC’s academic and research excellence, the School of Biomedical Engineering aspires to be a global leader in biomedical engineering research, education and translation. The SBME has two locations on Vancouver’s campus, the Gordon B Shrum building and the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). For more information about the School of Biomedical Engineering, please visit https://www.bme.ubc.ca/.

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, BC, Canada invites applications for a research technician (level 3) position in the Shakiba Lab (https://shakiba.bme.ubc.ca/), working on a collaborative project.

This position will contribute to an interdisciplinary project that combines in vitro and in silico embryo models to explore the rules of mammalian early development.

Organizational Status
This position will be a member in the Shakiba Laboratory, and will be reporting directly to Dr. Nika Shakiba, who is the Principal Investigator of the laboratory.

Work Performed

• Produce embryo-like structures from mouse and human embryonic stem cells.
• Use immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and microscopy techniques to analyze the resultant structures.
• Develop and apply image analysis workflows for quantitative and spatial analysis of the structures (using IMARIS, Fiji, etc.).
• Apply in-house computational workflows (using Python and R Studio) to simulate early embryonic development in a game theoretic platform.
• Use computational workflows (using Python and R Studio) to statistically analyze and plot data.
• Assist in Writing and preparing reports and papers for publication; presentation and participation in weekly lab meetings and departmental seminar series.
• Carry out other related duties such as maintaining equipment, ordering, record-keeping, helping to train lab personnel, etc. required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises a considerable amount of judgement, responsibility, and initiative related to the functioning of the lab. Incompetence or incorrect decisions could jeopardize research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in loss of experimental data and delay in conducting research.

Supervision Received
Reports directly to the Principal Investigator to ensure priorities are addressed. Works under general supervision. Routine responsibilities and established protocols are performed independently. Detailed instructions and guidance are provided for new procedures or complex experimental designs.

Supervision Given
The incumbent may be required to supervise trainees involved in the research program.

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

• Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory setting, particularly with mouse and human embryonic stem cells.

• Demonstrated experience in computational programming, preferably with Python and R-Studio.

• The successful candidate will be a passionate, self-driven, independent thinker with excellent organizational, oral, and written communication, excellent interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic.

• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;

• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

• Experience writing scientific manuscripts.

• Ability to work with the Principal Investigator to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data.

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.