Research Associate-II Hallam Lab Full-time

Research Associate-II Hallam Lab

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia's Vancouver campus is seeking a full-time Research Associate. This position is housed within the Hallam Lab, a highly interdisciplinary research group engaged in transformative science at the interface of microbial ecology, biological engineering, bioinformatics, and sustainability science. The Research Associate-II will play a pivotal role in contributing to active research projects involving large sample collections, environmental genomic library screening, and the design and testing of engineered living materials for wide-ranging industrial applications, while overseeing laboratory operations related to research and training activities to ensure the lab runs safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with institutional requirements.

Organizational Status: The Research Associate-II reports to Prof. Steven Hallam (Principal Investigator) and works closely with the leadership team (Research Associate I and Project Manager), postdocs, students, and other staff.

Key Responsibilities: The Research Associate-II will combine technical expertise with administrative leadership, with responsibilities including:

• Designing and conducting independent research, contributing to publications, reports, and grant funded research activities within the lab.
• Supporting active research projects involving large sample collections, environmental genomic library screening, and the design and testing of engineered living materials for wide-ranging industrial applications.
• Coordinating sample submission and biobanking procedures as well as data access and transfer from outside service providers in collaboration with trainees and other staff.
• Maintaining collections of samples, constructs, and other biological resources in consultation with the UBC Biobank.
• Coordinating with external collaborators, core facilities, and service providers to support research and operational activities.
• Supporting collaborative and legacy projects to preserve and extend the scientific contributions of trainees including graduate students and postdocs.
• Providing day-to-day leadership and mentorship to students, postdocs, and staff in contemporary lab practices and research techniques.
• Organizing and hosting weekly laboratory meetings.

• Overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Monitoring laboratory operations to proactively identify gaps, inefficiencies, or risks, and implement improvements.
• Ensuring strict adherence to biological and chemical safety regulations.
• Ensuring alignment of lab operations with departmental and UBC policies and mandates.
• Maintaining laboratory inventories and developing or updating standard operating procedures for lab protocols and equipment using eLab information management software.
• Managing ordering and procurement, including timely payment processing, purchase tracking, and communication with vendors regarding technical requirements and shipping.
• Managing the inventory and life cycle of all laboratory equipment (installation, certification, maintenance, repairs and decommissioning).
• Administering the laboratory's operating financial accounts and credit card statements, including monitoring expenditures, reconciling accounts, and supporting budget tracking, in consultation with Project Manager.
• Organize annual laboratory cleaning events to increase lab safety and efficiency.
• Coordinating equipment maintenance as indicated by the manufacturer.
• Implement sustainable practices in the laboratory to reduce waste and environmental impact supporting the UBC 2030 Climate Action Plan.
• Providing lab access, orientation, and operational support to student design teams including iGEM and BIOMOD design teams.
• Coordinating on-boarding and off-boarding of personnel, including training, institutional access, protocol compliance, and knowledge transfer of data and research outputs.
• Coordinating social and team-building activities to foster a positive lab culture.

Consequence of Error/Judgment: Delays or errors in procurement or payment processing may disrupt laboratory experiments and project timelines, affecting the ability to deliver high-quality results on schedule. Failure to adhere to biological and chemical safety protocols could increase safety risks, result in regulatory intervention, and potentially lead to the suspension of laboratory activities. Errors in communication may negatively affect collaboration within the group and harm the reputation of the Hallam Lab.

Supervision Received: The Research Associate II reports directly to Prof. Hallam and works collaboratively with the Project Manager and Research Associate-I to support the strategic alignment of laboratory activities. The position exercises independent judgment within defined areas of responsibility, with guidance from the PI on strategic decisions, financial approvals, and interactions with departmental and other university offices.

Supervision Given: The Research Associate-II provides mentorship to students and postdocs and other staff in operational and technical tasks. The position coordinates laboratory-wide activities and exercises judgment in balancing operational requirements, strategic priorities, and equitable allocation of resources in close collaboration with the leadership team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics, environmental microbiology, biological engineering, or other relevant STEM disciplines.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on laboratory experience, including molecular biology techniques.
• Strong record of research accomplishments.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, senior-level academics, researchers, and university administration.
• Strong leadership skills, judgment, discretion, and work ethic.
• Ability to manage multiple processes in parallel while adjusting to contingencies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Experience developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with multidisciplinary groups and leadership personnel.
• Knowledge of internal UBC administrative and financial processes.
• Previous lab management or administrative experience.