Research Assistant/Technician 3

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support in the Gross Anatomy laboratory, including specimen maintenance and organization of student bone collections.
• Oversee inventory management for prosected specimens, chemicals, and SDS in the teaching labs, morgue, and plastination lab.
• Coordinate and prepare lab setups using cadavers and prosected specimens for medical, dental, and health-affiliated programs.
• Perform intake and preparation of donor bodies, including embalming and safe transfer of cadavers into storage.
• Manage administrative tasks such as purchasing supplies, updating SOPs, and maintaining accurate specimen databases.
• Liaise with families, physicians, and MAiD coordinators regarding body donations and program inquiries.
• Assist instructors during student laboratory sessions and external workshops, including managing AV equipment.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and safety, including cleaning instruments and identifying maintenance needs.

Requirements

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with computers and data entry.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in anatomy.
• Proven experience in handling cadavers.
• Ability to carry out moderately complex procedures without direct supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for interacting with students and the public.
• Discretion and sensitivity when dealing with the Body Donation Program.
• Flexibility to work on weekends on a rotating schedule to facilitate workshops.

About the Company

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. The UBC Body Donation Program, housed within the Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, is a cornerstone of medical education in British Columbia, providing essential hands-on anatomical training to healthcare professionals.