Job Title: Mosquito insectary manager (Research Assistant/Technician 2)
Location: UBC Vancouver
Job Type: Research Technician/Assistant
Description: ** APPLY DIRECTLY HERE https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Research-Assistant-Technician-2_JR20362 **
This position is for a grant-funded research assistant and insectary manager in the UBC Mosquito Lab who will be primarily responsible for routine rearing of insect strains, data organization and analysis, and general lab organization and coordination. The Mosquito Lab is a community that strives to conduct rigorous, important, collaborative, and open science in an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and supportive. We seek to help each member of the laboratory to achieve their goals both in the context of science and beyond. We are firm believers that a diverse community is a better community, and welcome anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, cultural or economic background, and ability status. We strive not just for diversity within the lab but inclusion as well and are committed to providing active support to everyone as they navigate their place within the lab, the Zoology department, UBC, and broader scientific communities.
The primary responsibilities revolve around maintaining a stock collection of ~50 genetically distinct populations of Aedes aegypti mosquito (both natural strains and genome-engineered lines), with forays into other species and systems at smaller scale. Once the successful candidate is well integrated into the role, there should be ample time for exposure to research - the previous insectary manager mentored several directed studies students and has contributed meaningfully to projects that will be published from the lab. Our lab studies sensory biology and behaviour in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, primarily using techniques drawn from genetics, neuroscience, and ‘omics, and in general I see this role as being a great stepping stone for someone looking to continue graduate studies or a non-academic career in a related area.
The major qualities I’ll be looking for are past experience working with insects (not necessarily mosquitoes — someone with a fly genetics background would also be potentially a great fit given the nature of the strains they’ll be maintaining), microscopy experience, a demonstrated ability to work independently (but ask questions when needed!), and organizational skills that are better than mine (not hard, but still critically important!). B.S. or M.Sc. are both fine. The posting is live, with a closing date of April 5 - ideal start date would be in May, but willing to be flexible for the right candidate. Guaranteed funding until August 31 2026 with possibility of extension pending grant availability.
Application Email Address: ben.matthews@ubc.ca
Company Name: University of British Columbia
Application Close Date: April 05, 2025