Training Coordinator & Supervisor - UBC, Vancouver

AI Summary

This Training Coordinator and Supervisor role at UBC in Vancouver, BC, oversees staff within the Medical Animal Facilities. Key duties include supervising animal care technicians, coordinating training, and ensuring compliance with research protocols. Top requirements include a relevant university degree, four years of related experience, and Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) certification. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension, supporting vital animal research operations.

About the Role at UBC Medical Animal Facilities

The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Medical Animal Facilities (MAF) at UBC is a leading unit dedicated to animal research, providing crucial support for preclinical studies essential for translational medicine. As Training Coordinator and Supervisor, you will provide day-to-day oversight and functional direction to technical and husbandry staff, ensuring consistent, high-quality, and compassionate animal care in accordance with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines. This pivotal role involves coordinating all education, orientation, and training provided in daily operations for both MAF staff and researchers, including instruction in specialized techniques and the use of advanced equipment. Your ability to manage complex projects and maintain regulatory compliance is paramount to the success of the facility's research objectives, contributing significantly to the overall research environment at UBC.

Key Responsibilities and Facility Management

A significant part of this position involves ensuring the proper operation and maintenance of all facility equipment, adhering to quality and safety standards. You will perform regular inspections, maintain an up-to-date inventory, and advise on technical equipment activities such as repairs and certification. This role also supports academic projects and participates in complex research protocols, requiring the ability to review and provide guidance on protocol submissions while ensuring compliance with UBC Animal Care Committee and Good Laboratory Practices. The incumbent will also perform administrative duties, including maintaining logs of facility-generated data and updating Standard Operating Procedures, which are critical for smooth operations. Your expertise will be vital in managing biocontainment and biosecurity processes, alongside performing minor surgeries and technical techniques essential for ongoing research and the well-being of the animals under your care.

Qualifications and Work Environment

Candidates for this role should possess a university degree in a relevant discipline or a technical program, coupled with a minimum of four years of related experience. Preferred qualifications include Registered Veterinary Technology (RVT) or a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, along with five years of experience, and mandatory Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) registration. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to train others, manage staff, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team. This position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays, reflecting the continuous nature of animal care and research operations. A commitment to maintaining and upgrading training, alongside the ability to perform the physical demands of the job, such as lifting up to 20kg and working with specialized equipment, is essential for success in this dynamic research environment. You will work closely with the Operations Manager and other animal technicians, contributing to a collaborative and impactful research setting.