Research Assistant 2, Innate Lymphoid Cell and NK Cell Engineering, Crome Lab, Terry Fox Lab
BC Cancer
Vancouver, BC
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
- Contact information for 2–3 references
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
What you’ll do
- Perform a variety of established technical procedures according to written protocols.
- Perform experiments by following established laboratory procedures according to written protocols.
- Record results, including computer data entry. Provides input regarding modification of procedures as requested by the Department Head, Principal Investigator, or designate.
- Maintain and stores test materials, laboratory supplies, products and equipment.
- May demonstrate work methods or procedures to less experienced assistants as designated.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Cancer contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
What you bring
Qualifications:
- A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to graduation from a recognized Bachelor’s program in an appropriate discipline (e.g. Bachelor of Science); plus two (2) years of recent related experience in a research laboratory.
Core Competencies:
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
You have:
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Temporary, Full-time (1-year position until March 1, 2027, with possibility of renewal)
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.
Location: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1G1
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday- Friday;0930-1730
Requisition Number: 193920E
What we do
BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.
BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.
Attention current employees of PHSA:
You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.
The internal job posting expires on January 28, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.
If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.
If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].
