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January
2005
 Job title and General Description
Research Associate – Genome Sciences Centre
I lead the Gene Expression group at the Genome Sciences Centre.
Our group is focused on understanding the complex interplay
of genes in normal and disease states. One aspect of this
is our work with the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC) program
whose mandate is to create a publicly accessible resource
of fully-sequenced single-gene clones for complete genomes,
including human, mouse, and rat – the latter two offering
important models for cancer research. We are also involved
in generating digital gene expression profiles through the
construction of SAGE libraries to identify and rescue genes
involved in development, stem cell renewal and disease progression.
What specific skills and qualities are
needed to do your job?
A job in science research requires a keen interest in science
and love of discovery. You need to find excitement in learning
and have the dedication to pursue a question to its conclusion.
The management aspects of my job require good ‘people
skills’. You need to be able to but together a good
team of people and keep them motivated and interested in the
project they are working on.
What do you like most about your work?
I feel very fortunate to have a job that contributes to humanity.
I enjoy those amazing moments when the reasons of why a biological
system has developed a mechanism to deal with a problem become
clear. I also enjoy interacting with the people that I work
with.
What don’t you like about your job?
There are no major things that I don’t like about my
job. There are little things with every job that might be
a bother but I can just let those things go.
Where do you see your career going from
here?
My goal is to obtain a position that would allow me to design
a research program and obtain funding to support it. At the
BC Cancer Agency this is a Scientist or Primary Investigator
position.
What is the range in salary that comes
with your job?
The salary range for a research associate position can vary
from around $50,000 – $80,000.
When did you know you wanted to work in
sciences?
I was originally planning to become a chemical engineer. When
I was at UBC I became interested in genetics and molecular
biology.
What is your educational background?
At UBC I did a BSc in Honours Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
I also did my PhD at UBC in yeast genetics studying transcriptional
regulation. After obtaining my PhD I was involved in the start
up of a biotech company called Interomex Biopharmaceuticals.
I worked at this position for four years before starting at
the BCCA Genome Sciences Centre.
What were your favorite courses?
I really enjoyed my 3rd year genetics course and my 4th year
honours lab course at UBC.
What other hobbies and interests do you
have?
I have a cabin on Sonora Island that I love spending time
at with my friends and family . I am involved in many outdoors
activities including, fishing, skiing and the occasional triathlons.
I also enjoy reading 19th and 20th century Russian literature.
Do you have any advice for young people
thinking about getting into your line of work?
Computer skills are essential in today’s workforce.
An in depth knowledge of databases and higher level computer
systems is very important for working in the field of genomics.
Remember, there are many angles to take in the field of genomics.
The service industry that supplies the genomics industry also
has many career opportunities.
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