Research Technologist

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried – Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title
Research Technologist

Department
Lansdorp Laboratory Department of Medical Genetics Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$3,982.67 – $4,703.83 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
September 30, 2022

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

Job End Date

Oct 31, 2024

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

Job Summary

The Research Technologist will perform a wide variety of laboratory procedures related to studies of genetic variation and genome instability in cancer and other diseases. A specific emphasis is on the analysis of single cell genomes using directional Strand-seq libraries (Hanlon et al., 2022; Sanders et al., 2017). The successful candidate will (1) design and conduct experiments using state-of-the-art single cell nanoliter dispensing and other molecular biology techniques, (2) prepare nanoliter-volume Strand-seq DNA sequencing libraries following a newly established protocol (Hanlon et al., 2022), and (3) perform laboratory maintenance tasks including ordering supplies, recording results, data entry, and training new personnel. Candidates with experience preparing DNA sequencing libraries, using automated liquid handling systems (e.g. Bravo, Microlab, Biomek), operating robotic equipment, or performing DNA sequencing using Illumina machines are especially encouraged to apply. Additional experience with flow cytometry or cell culture will be considered an asset. 

Work is performed in the Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC.

Awareness of laboratory safety practices and procedures for work with biohazardous human material and chemicals and equipment is mandatory to prevent injury.
Organizational Status

This position reports to and receives general direction from, and coordinates activities with the Principal Investigator – Dr. Peter Lansdorp

Work Performed

• Performs a wide variety of complex laboratory procedures such as robotic and manual preparation of genomic sequencing libraries, Illumina DNA sequencing, qPCR, and other molecular biology techniques according to established protocols.
• Contributes to the development of new experimental protocols by designing and conducting experiments, for example, by testing new reagents or enzymatic treatments in DNA sequencing library preparation protocols.
• Analyzes results, interprets them to optimize experimental procedures and/or design further experiments, establishes and maintains experimental records, and forwards them to the Principal Investigator.
• Masters the use of a robotic nanoliter dispensing and single cell sorting platform.
• Plans and coordinates experiments with lab member as well as members of other labs and experimental facilities, including the flow cytometry core at the TFL.
• Performs quality control procedures on all instruments according to established procedures; maintains and troubleshoots lab equipment, including the robotic nanoliter dispenser; replenishes supplies and solutions as necessary.
• May oversee and train lab members and new personnel in laboratory procedures such as explaining methodology, demonstrating techniques and operation of equipment and analyzers.
• Develops, revises, and maintains lab manuals, protocols, validation reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Provides input regarding modification of procedures as requested by the Principal Investigator.
• Coordinates the optimization of lab space usage and maintains a clean, safe and orderly work environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. This may include performing flow cytometry and/or the culture of primary human cells (training will be provided).

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The consequences of error may result in incorrect data which would affect the results reported by the research team, leading to major delays in publications, and/or lost of funding due to delays or errors. Errors in operating or processing lab equipment, chemicals, biological material and biochemicals may result in acute and chronic physical injury to the employee and others .
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision; receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.
Supervision Given
May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees at lower classifications in which case they are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.
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.
Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized technical program, a university degree, BSc or Masters is preferred in a relevant discipline (i.e. Medical Genetics or Molecular Biology).
• Previous experience with molecular biology (DNA).
• An overall knowledge of technical aspects of research laboratory science is essential.
• Experience with robotic/computer-controlled laboratory instruments is desirable.
• Experience with automated liquid handling systems is desirable.
• Experience with flow cytometry or human primary cell culture is an asset.
• Familiarity with PC Windows, MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize workload to meet departmental/laboratorial requirements and deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team effort with minimal supervision, and deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

Hanlon, V.C.T., Chan, D.D., Hamadeh, Z., Wang, Y., Mattsson, C.A., Spierings, D.C.J., Coope, R.J.N., and Lansdorp, P.M. (2022). Construction of Strand-seq libraries in open nanoliter arrays. Cell reports methods 2, 100150.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667237521002277?via%3Dihub

Sanders, A.D., Falconer, E., Hills, M., Spierings, D.C.J., and Lansdorp, P.M. (2017). Single-cell template strand sequencing by Strand-seq enables the characterization of individual homologs. Nature protocols 12, 1151-1176.