Salary Range: $57,347-$75,268/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join a translational immunology and cell therapy research program focused on innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and natural killer (NK) cell biology. The program integrates human immunology, immune cell engineering, and preclinical modeling to understand and manipulate lymphocyte function across transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer.
This position is ideal for an early career scientist seeking advanced technical training in immune cell biology and translational research, with the opportunity to grow into a senior technician and laboratory manager role. The successful candidate will support experimental workflows, maintain core laboratory operations, and contribute to immune cell engineering and functional studies in a highly collaborative research environment.
Research and Experimental Support
- Perform experiments using primary human immune cells, including NK cells and ILC populations
- Culture, expand, and functionally characterize primary immune cells
- Perform multicolor flow cytometry for immune phenotyping and functional assays
- Support molecular biology workflows (e.g., cloning, PCR, lentiviral production, transduction)
- Assist with immune cell engineering workflows and functional validation
- Support in vivo studies using mouse models (training provided)
- Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to data organization
Laboratory Operations and Management
- Manage laboratory inventory, ordering, and reagent tracking
- Maintain cell culture facilities and shared equipment
- Contribute to development and maintenance of SOPs
- Ensure compliance with biosafety and animal ethics protocols
- Coordinate with core facilities and collaborators
- Maintain documentation and sample tracking to support reproducibility and future translational or GMP-like workflows
Training and Career Development
- Participate in project meetings and data discussions
- Contribute to figures, protocols, and manuscripts
- Mentor undergraduate trainees and summer students
- Receive structured training toward senior technician and lab manager responsibilities
Required Qualifications
- BSc or with research experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related biomedical discipline
- Hands-on experience with flow cytometry
- Experience with primary immune cell culture
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and within a collaborative research team
Preferred / Asset Qualifications
- Experience with primary human lymphocyte cell culture
- Molecular biology experience (cloning, viral vectors, gene delivery)
- Experience with mouse models or willingness to learn
- Familiarity with immunological assays (cytotoxicity, cytokine analysis)
- Interest in translational research and cell therapy development
Research Environment and Career Development
This position is embedded within a well-funded, collaborative research environment at BC Cancer with access to state-of-the-art flow cytometry, genomics, and preclinical modeling cores. The position will provide hands-on exposure to cell therapy process development, immune cell potency testing, and early translational workflows relevant to next-generation ILC- and NK cell-based therapeutics. The successful candidate will receive advanced technical training in immune cell engineering and translational immunology, with a clear pathway toward a senior technician and laboratory manager role.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit:
- Cover letter describing relevant experience and research interests
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for 2–3 references
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
