Core Facilities Technician

Job Summary

Position will provide support to two central research core facilities at The Child and Family Research Institute (CFRI); the Flow Core, and Histology Core. 

Flow Core duties include; cleaning and regular maintenance of machines, preparing buffer, training new users, and assisting with experiments. 

Histology Core duties include; preparation of tissue (processing and embedding), cryostat and microtome sectioning, staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, image capture, and quantitative image analysis.

Organizational Status

The successful applicant will report primarily to one principal investigator but will interact closely with the Histology Core manager, the Flow Core manager, the Admin Manager for the Childhood Diseases Theme, investigators and other laboratory personnel from several different laboratories.

Work Performed

Flow Core: 

1. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and quality check on Flow Core machines. 
2. Prepare sample buffer. 
3. Provide training for new users as it relates to machine start up and shut down. 
4. Assist in management of facility. 

Histology Core: 

1. Process tissue from mice and humans for histological analysis. 
2. Maintain accurate records of tissue blocks and sections. 
3. Prepare cryostat, microtome, and vibratome tissue sections. 
4. Perform routine stains (eg H&E, Masson's). 
5. Perform immunohistochemical stains of tissue sections, particularly of mouse pancreas sections. 
6. Use automated high-end bright field and fluorescence microscopes, including complex associated software. 
7. Perform image capture of stained sections for presentations and publications. 
8. Perform quantitative image analysis. 
9. Troubleshoot problems with stains and immunostains. 
10. With principal investigators, develop and troubleshoot new staining techniques. 
11. Maintain special histology equipment including automatic tissue processor and slide stainer, microscopes, microtome, and cryostat 
12. Maintain accurate records of work performed to enable cost recovery, and report to the Principal Investigator(s). 

Employee will work primarily at two different sites within CFRI; the Histology Core and the Flow Core. Regular working hours are 9am to 5pm Monday thru Friday, but the technician may be asked to work evenings or weekends in order to complete big projects. Work involves handling fixed tissue, biochemicals, organic solvents, tissue sectioning equipment, microscopes, flow cytometry equipment, and maintaining a computer database.

Supervision Received

Employee will report directly to the histology lab manager and flow-core manager, Theme Manager, and  Principal Investigator(s) for the core facilities.  

Daily supervision will be minimal.

Supervision Given

The technician will be expected to instruct and supervise students in tissue processing, histology, and image analysis. The technician will also train and supervise new users of the flow-core machines.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Mishandling of valuable tissue, failure to properly clean/maintain equipment, or inaccuracy in record-keeping may result in the loss of valuable samples and time, greatly increasing the costs and time required to complete experiments.

Qualifications

• High School graduation.  BSc. preferred  
• Minimum of 2 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with basic histological techniques.  
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform research-related procedures.  
• An understanding of, and the ability to perform safe laboratory operating practices is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a conscientious, professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to gather, record, and organize information.
• Ability to effectively use office productivity software at an intermediate level(e.g. MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Database & etc).

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.  We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.