"Research Assistant / Technician 2"

Job Summary

The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Medical Animal Facilities (MAF) is a leading animal research unit with two locations at the UBC Point Grey Campus and the Vancouver General Hospital Campus. The facilities provide specialized research environments, including skilled technicians, husbandry staff, dedicated procedure space, and advanced equipment to support a wide range of animal research studies. The facilities support both UBC investigators and industry partners and plays a crucial role in enabling preclinical research essential for translational medicine.

The Research Assistant/Technician 2 assists in preparation of surgical suite and instrumentation, operating room technical tasks, anaesthesia, imaging of lab animals. They are responsible for the pre- and post-op care, observations of animals and collection of data, documentation, utilization of standard operating procedures in compliance with MAF, UBC and CCAC regulations. They are also responsible for animal care, animal health checks, breeding colony maintenance and husbandry (various species), as well as maintaining daily care of laboratory animals; feeding, watering, cage changing, sanitizing animal rooms and equipment.

The incumbent may be required to work at different sites as needed.

Organizational Status

The incumbent works alongside other animal technicians and reports to the on-site Operations Manager, MAF on a daily basis. They also maintain a functional reporting relationship with the Operations Managers at the alternate site to ensure consistency in operations, compliance with UBC and CCAC regulations, and alignment with unit and departmental goals. Interacts with and assists faculty, research assistants, students and others.

Work Performed

• Daily care of laboratory animals, husbandry, and observation of health status, working under guidelines and standard operating procedures in compliance with CCAC regulations.
• Work safely following all safety policies, SOPs and guidelines under UBC Safety and Risk Services.
• Performs rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; collects data; writes and follow up health reports; isolates infected or ill animals and reports to veterinarian.
• Animal handling and husbandry including euthanasia under direction of senior technician.
• Assisting in minimally-invasive animal care and/or research procedures by performing blood collection, sample collection, minor medical treatments.
• Interacting and assisting investigators and/or their technicians.
• Record keeping, such as animal census, health and breeding records, documentation
• Changing and sanitizing animal cages, bottles, racks and other equipment, using cage washer and autoclaves and other such equipment. 
• Support higher-level technicians or veterinarians during surgeries by assisting with the administration and monitoring of anesthesia, handling animals and preparing surgical and other technical equipment.
• Nurse assistant duties.
• Daily, pre- and post-op care.
• After-hours care (evenings and weekends) for post-operative or moribund animals.
• Help run diagnostic equipment (Complete Blood Count, Blood Gasses) .
• Assisting investigators, surgeons, research assistants, students, etc.
• General upkeep of facility, sanitizing, disinfection, disease control, following procedures outlined. Floor mopping and re-stocking of supplies also required.
• Continual updates in continuing education to learn new techniques and remain current with other research and ideas .
• Evening, weekend, and STAT holiday work will be required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Judgement must be exercised to alleviate pain or suffering by the animals. Provision of the necessary elements to make the animals environment as enriched and comfortable as possible. The supervisor and/or facility manager oversees work; incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/or disruption or ruination of a research study. 

Supervision Received

The incumbent works with little supervision in direct consultation with the on-site Operations Manager, MAF and the Senior OR Technician. They also maintain a functional reporting relationship with the Operations Managers at the alternate site.

Supervision Given

Position works in conjunction with other technicians and will not be supervising other staff.

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

• Certification in Veterinary Technology or Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) Registered Laboratory Animal Technician Certification.  
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.  
• Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures, and instructions.  
• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.  
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Ability to gather, record, and organize information.  
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. (e.g., lifting, standing, working at heights).
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. 
• Ability to effectively use computers. 
• Ability to lift objects that may weigh up to 25 kg.