Research Assistant 1 - BC Cancer Victoria

Research Assistant 1
BC Cancer
Victoria, BC 

BC Cancer – Victoria’s Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre is a world-renowned facility dedicated to advancing cancer research. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant 1 to join the team of Dr. Nicolette Fonseca. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension, contingent on project needs, performance, and continued grant funding.

The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on immuno-genomic biomarker development in prostate and kidney cancers. These studies aim to deepen our understanding of how genetic alterations enable tumours to evade immune detection and will support the use of combined immune and genomic biomarkers in clinical trials.

Working under the guidance of the principal investigator, the RA1 will be involved in all aspects of laboratory operations. Key responsibilities include handling and processing biospecimens such as blood and tissue, maintaining inventories, and coordinating the shipping and receiving of samples and supplies. The role also involves implementing and monitoring laboratory safety procedures, performing nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA), preparing samples for next generation sequencing, and working with pathologists to prepare and stain tissue samples for gene expression analysis. In addition, the candidate will be expected to operate and maintain various laboratory instruments and communicate effectively with team members, clinical coordinators, and physicians.

This role requires a minimum of one year of relevant laboratory experience, as well as university-level coursework in a related scientific field. The ideal candidate will be a team player with strong organizational and communication skills and a commitment to laboratory safety and research excellence. If you're passionate about cancer research and eager to make a meaningful contribution in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.

What you’ll do

Working under the guidance of the principal investigator, the RA1 will be involved in all aspects of laboratory operations.Key responsibilities include handling and processing biospecimens such as blood and tissue, maintaining inventories, and coordinating the shipping and receiving of samples and supplies. The role also involves implementing and monitoring laboratory safety procedures, performing nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA), preparing samples for next generation sequencing, and working with pathologists to prepare and stain tissue samples for gene expression analysis. In addition, the candidate will be expected to operate and maintain various laboratory instruments and communicate effectively with team members, clinical coordinators, and physicians. 

What you bring

Qualifications:

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to completion of Grade 12, supplemented by recognized university level science courses; plus one (1) year of recent related experience in a research laboratory.
• 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 healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• 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, Anti-racism Data Act and  how they intersect across the health care system.

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 leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
• Knowledge 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:

• The ideal candidate will be a team player with strong organizational and communication skills and a commitment to laboratory safety and research excellence.
• Demonstrated deep understanding of their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Able to articulate and share this journey to motivate and inspire others.
• Knowledge of the social, economic, political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples in social and health contexts as well as knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments in the foundational documents: 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, 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 and development.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• 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).
• Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full Time (Until June 30, 2026)

Salary Range: $43,758 - $57,432 per 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: 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria BC V8R 4Z3

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 0830-1630

Requisition Number: 184414E

** Please note: Support for nomination with the BC Provincial Nominee Program is not a guarantee, entitlement or an employee benefit after receiving a full time job offer with PHSA**

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).

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 – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including 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 and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention current employees of PHSA:  

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting expires on June 4, 2025, and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca 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 internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca 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 careers@phsa.ca.