Current Employment Opportunities

The Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) has an exceptional opportunity available for a temporary, fulltime Laboratory Research Assistant to join Dr. Somasekharan’s research team.

The Vancouver Prostate Centre 

VPC has a large, multi-disciplinary research program that undertakes basic, clinic, and translational research. It is a National Centre of Excellence and a designated Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research. It is affiliated with the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Further details on VPC and its research programs are available at www.prostatecentre.com. To learn more about Dr. Somasekharan and his research visit www.prostatecentre.com/about-us/people/dr-syam-somasekharan

Position Summary

The Laboratory Research Assistant provides technical support to the scientific research team, planning and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and preparing reports. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments in RNA biology and biomolecular condensates. 
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collects raw data, creates and maintains databases, research related reports
• Operates broad scope of laboratory equipment and ensures laboratory equipment is kept in clean, in working order, performing basic maintenance as required.
• Monitors inventory of lab supplies and ensures proper storage of materials and supplies.
• Works according to OH&S policies, WSIB and QA standards. Takes all necessary safety training and necessary precautions when handling potentially hazardous materials, chemicals, biological agents or working with radiation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelors or Masters in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related field.
• A minimum of two years laboratory experience in a biochemistry, cell biology or molecular biology lab.
• Experience in cell culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, in situ hybridization, mass spectrometry, purification of recombinant proteins, qRT-PCR, and co immunoprecipitation, will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best laboratory practices.
• Willing and able to complete all required safety training, both at point of hire and on an ongoing basis.
• Computer literate.
• Ability to work efficiently both in a team environment and independently.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Compensation

Starting salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 per annum, plus benefits including extended health and dental coverage; paid vacation; and Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP); and a defined benefit pension plan. Salary placement is dependent upon experience.

Application Procedures

To apply for this position, please email @email with subject line Laboratory Research Assistant, Somasekharan Lab with the following items attached:

• Cover letter
• Current CV

NOTE: Applications will be accepted until December 12, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific. No telephone calls or drop-in inquiries accepted. Only those under consideration will be contacted.

The Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) has an exceptional opportunity available for a temporary, full-time Laboratory Research Assistant to join Dr Gleave’s research team. 

Vancouver Prostate Centre and M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences 

The VPC houses a large, multi-disciplinary research program that undertakes basic, clinical, and translational research. It is one of six specialized research centres in the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences, a National Centre of Excellence, and a designated Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research. The VPC is affiliated with the University of British Columbia (Department of Urologic Sciences) and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Further details on VPC and its research programs are available at www.prostatecentre.com.

Gleave Lab 

While the laboratory’s primary research focuses on characterizing molecular mechanisms underlying treatment resistance in cancer and developing co-targeting strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes, this role is conducted in collaboration with a startup biotechnology company. The position centers on the development of novel sustained-release polymer formulations for urological conditions, with the objective of advancing these products into Phase II and Phase III clinical trials. 

Position Summary 

The Laboratory Research Assistant provides technical support by planning and conducting research experiments, evaluating test results, and preparing customized reports and research documentation. This role primarily focuses on stability studies for sustained-release polymer formulations and requires proficiency in accurate pipetting, sample extraction techniques, rheological measurements, and HPLC analysis. 

In addition, the Laboratory Research Assistant supports overall research activities and oversees daily laboratory operations, ensuring that equipment is properly maintained and laboratory inventory is accurately managed and organized. 

Responsibilities

• Operates broad scope of laboratory equipment and ensures laboratory equipment is kept clean, in working order, performing basic maintenance as required. 
• Writes laboratory manuals or standard operating procedures. 
• Helps manage vendors and sample submissions to external testing laboratories 
• Plans and conducts tests, experiments, takes samples and evaluates results. 
• Selects, develops, and evaluates research methods. 
• Collects raw data, creates and maintains databases, research related reports. 
• Monitors inventory of lab supplies and ensures proper storage of materials and supplies. 
• Works according to OH&S policies, WSIB and QA standards. Takes all necessary safety training and necessary precautions when handling potentially hazardous materials and chemicals. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in relevant scientific discipline. 
• Minimum of one year laboratory experience. 
• Solid knowledge of laboratory best practices and standard research techniques 
• Strong organizational skill with meticulous attention to details and accurate record keeping. 
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment. 
• Effective problem-solving abilities.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts in a professional manner. 

Compensation

Starting salary range for this position is $50,000 - $65,000 per annum, plus benefits including extended health and dental coverage; paid vacation; an Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP); and a defined benefit pension plan. 

Application Procedures 

To apply for this position, please email @email with subject line Laboratory Research Assistant, Gleave Lab with the following items attached: 

• Current CV 
• Cover letter 

NOTE: Applications will be accepted until August 21, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, due to the high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.