Research Assistant, Food Protein Biophysics Lab

Job summary

The Research Assistant will provide technical support for food protein biophysics research, specifically focusing on StPSI protein expression, purification, and structural analysis. They will also assist with data analysis, manuscript drafting, and presenting findings at laboratory meetings.

Job details

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Research Assistant, Food Protein Biophysics Lab Department Research Support | Dee Research Group | Food, Nutrition and Health Program | Faculty of Land and Food Systems Compensation Range $4,597.80 - $5,469.59 CAD Monthly Posting End Date September 20, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date December 31, 2026 This position will be filled internally. It is posted for informational purposes only. 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 position will provide technical support to the food protein biophysics lab for the research project on the Solanum tuberosum (common potato), plant specific insert (StPSI). Organizational Status Reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Rickey Y. Yada) and Dr. Derek Dee. Will work with the research associate (Dr. Aicha Asma Houfani) to support their microbiological challenge testing experiments, in vitro structure comparison alongside in silico structural analysis of StPSI. Work Performed - Expresses and purifies StPSI proteins using established protocols for antifungal assays, circular dichroism, and NMR experiments, escalating troubleshooting or non-routine issues to the Research Associate and supervisors. - Assists with data analysis and drafts manuscripts for publication. - Provides regular updates to collaborators and at laboratory meetings and presentations. - Performs other duties as required. Consequence of Error/Judgement Incorrect decisions would likely be costly in terms of wasted time and flawed data. It is important that the individual is sharp, energetic and conscientious. Inappropriate judgment will cause missing data or biased results; missed deadlines which will delay timelines in the PI’s research project. Must decide on how to best use time efficiently and multi-task. Supervision Received Reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Rickey Y. Yada) and Dr. Derek Dee. Supervision Given None. 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 Education & Experience: - Undergraduate degree in biochemistry, microbiology or molecular biology. - Minimum of 2 years of experience in dry-lab and wet-lab or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Skills: - Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills. - Strong analytical and research skills. - Must be adaptable and flexible. - Must have accuracy and attention to detail. - Ability to work independently and within a team environment. - Must have biological and chemical safety certifications from UBC (or willingness to complete the courses). - Must commit to meticulous documentation of all lab work in a lab notebook, including methods, observations, while following protocols with integrity.

What you’ll do

The Research Assistant will provide technical support for food protein biophysics research, specifically focusing on StPSI protein expression, purification, and structural analysis. They will also assist with data analysis, manuscript drafting, and presenting findings at laboratory meetings.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least a high school diploma with two years of related experience, though an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, microbiology, or molecular biology is preferred. Applicants should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Listed skills

• interpersonal skills · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Multi-Tasking · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Protein purification
• Antifungal assays
• Circular dichroism
• NMR experiments
• Data analysis
• Microbiological challenge testing
• In silico structural analysis
• Laboratory documentation
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Multi-tasking
• Employment Equity
• Antifungals
• Energetic
• Research Support
• Conscientiousness
• Chemical Safety
• Research
• Data Analysis
• Biochemical Assays
• Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Biophysics
• Innovation
• Interpersonal Communications
• Lab Notebooks
• Missing Data
• Multitasking
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• Presentations
• Structural Analysis
• Timelines
• Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
• Writing
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Food & Beverage
• Education
• Research Assistant
• Busser / Banquet Worker / Cafeteria Attendant
• Food Service Counter Attendants
• Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers