LFS Applied Biology Program Blog

Hours per week: 20 maximum

Hourly wage: $17.93

Location: UBC Vancouver Campus

Preferred start date: week of May 1, 2024

Employment period: early May to end Aug, 2024

Research related: Yes

Contact: wmeyers@mail.ubc.ca

Description:

The Haas Laboratory in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health performs cutting edge research into early brain development and disorders that arise when early brain cell development goes wrong, such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We use a unique combination of engineering and biology to capture live, single-neuron images and videos in developing tadpole brains to observe their dynamic growth behaviours and signaling patterns. We seek 1-2 undergraduate students to join our team as project worker to assist in the maintenance and caretaking of our essential Xenopus laevis frog colony. Each week we rely on careful treatment and matings of frogs to make sure we have a steady supply of tadpoles for study. The student(s) will be responsible for several tasks associated with this, including but not limited to:

• Preparation of all media and solutions related to frog and tadpole care
• Weekly assembly of mating pairs and injection priming to ensure mating success and tadpole yield, as well as maintain the health of the colony
• Feeding of frogs and cleaning of frog tanks while minimizing stress on the colony and long-term monitoring of frog health
• Raise embryos to tadpole stage and pick healthy tadpoles for further study
• Careful and accurate written record-keeping of Xenopus health, egg quality and tank-cleaning logs

Monday, Tuesday & Friday availability are preferred, but flexible arrangements can be made. Work periods are within 8am and 4pm when other laboratory staff are present. If tasks are completed in a timely manner, the student will have the opportunity to participate in research activities of the laboratory as well, such as:

• Genetic manipulation of developing tadpoles, provoking expression of genes of interests
• Observation of effects of such expression on the early developing brain using confocal, light and cutting-edge two-photon microscopy
• Processing images obtained from studying the effects of ASD-associated genes and patient variants to obtain data used in research publications

Qualifications

The position is suitable to an undergraduate or graduate student in a UBC life science/ biology-related program with preference for students interested in animal handling and animal wellbeing. Previous experience in working in a research laboratory or animal care would be an asset but is not required. The candidate(s) ought to have a thorough work ethic, attention to detail and be comfortable with the handling of animals, specifically frogs and tadpoles, as well as needles. Mandatory laboratory safety courses will be provided and are required to be completed prior to beginning lab work.

Please provide a cover letter, your resume and course schedule (if relevant) outlining any experience. A transcript is not required, but please provide a description of any relevant work or volunteer experience and courses you have taken. Please contact our laboratory admin at wmeyers@mail.ubc.ca with these documents. Thank you.

Xenopus technician Haas Laboratory Summer 2024 Job Description