Undergraduate Student Research Assistant

• Design, optimize, and execute PCR and qPCR experiments for short primer systems in low-literature or exploratory contexts, using systematic iteration of cycling parameters.
• Optimize PCR/qPCR conditions including annealing temperatures and durations, touchdown strategies, cycle numbers, and extension times to achieve robust and specific amplification.
• Develop and optimize qPCR assays targeting a range of viral and bacterial DNA sequences.
• Prepare and run agarose gel electrophoresis to validate PCR/qPCR products, including troubleshooting amplification and visualization issues.
• Analyze qPCR and gel electrophoresis results to confirm amplicon specificity, efficiency, and reproducibility.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records, including reagent preparation, tube mapping, cycling conditions, run outputs, and troubleshooting observations.
• Support assay development through methodical experimentation, data review, and iterative refinement of protocols.
• Contribute to the laboratory knowledge base by documenting optimized protocols and experimental learnings for future research and development efforts.

• Post-secondary student currently in a Bachelor of Science program.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status (at this time due to IRCC regulations, international students with either a student or work visa are not eligible).
• Be willing to work in-person at the Burnaby laboratory.

• May 2026 to end of August month placement) or May 2026 to December month placement).
• $23.00 per hour.
• 10 paid days off, prorated for the calendar year.
• 9am to 5pm PST, 40 hour per week for 4 months or 8 months.
• Location Wayburne Drive, Burnaby BC.

Vitacore Industries Inc. manufactures personal protective equipment for Canadian frontline workers, available on demand. Our facility houses state-of-the-art equipment to produce millions of respirators every month. Vitacore is committed to serving Canadians. All of our current and future PPE is made using a Canadian supply chain and quality Canadian materials.
Our main customers are in the Health Care Industry supporting our long-term growth and sustainability.