Research Asst/Tech 4

Staff - Union
Job CategoryCUPE 116
Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4
Job TitleResearch Asst/Tech 4
DepartmentBiology Program | Matrix | Department of Botany | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range$5,770.00 - $6,270.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End DateOctober 19, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Ongoing
This is a leave replacement for a fixed term duration.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Description Summary
The candidate is responsible for the technical support for the teaching laboratory courses as part of the Biology Program, which is the undergraduate program of the Departments of Botany and Zoology. The incumbent will join a team of teaching technicians that work collaboratively to support a range of Biology teaching labs. The candidate should be able to respond to shifting priorities and works to resolve issues that arise in an efficient and calm manner.
Organizational Status
Reports administratively directly to the Biology Program Manager and works closely with course instructors for technical and teaching purposes.
Work Performed
Designs, fabricates or procures, and maintains materials and equipment for teaching laboratory exercises
Assists lab instructors with developing and troubleshooting technical aspects of laboratory exercises and SOPs for experiments.
Acquires and maintains cultures of a wide range of organisms used in teaching laboratories, including algae, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, using established and developed culturing techniques in accordance with UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC) standards
Develops, modifies, and performs technical procedures and laboratory exercises in collaboration with laboratory instructors and teaching assistants.
Oversees laboratory requirements by overseeing equipment, organism, reagent, and supply needs.
Provides technical guidance to undergraduate students undertaking laboratory projects, as required.
Trains and provides technical guidance to laboratory technicians and Work Learn students, including staff to support multiple teaching laboratories.
Oversees the compliance with laboratory health, safety, environmental, and animal care regulations, including participation on Department of Zoology/Botany Local Safety Teams.
Performs other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Because this position involves student contact, errors have far-reaching consequences. Experiments are designed and tested in advance of the academic year in collaboration with instructors. Materials and equipment must be properly calibrated and in good working order prior to use in laboratory experiments. Technicians must be available during teaching times. Failure to assess needs adequately could result in increased costs, teaching interruptions, and delays as well as unnecessary frustration for students and instructors. Negative course and program experiences could influence student opinion toward the program, departments, and university.
Supervision Received
Reports administratively to the Biology Program Manager. Technicians work independently to fulfill tasks under the supervision and guidance of course instructors. Instructions will be provided both in written and oral form as needed. The technician is expected to determine the necessary activities to ensure the success of the exercises.
Supervision Given
Technician provides instruction to new instructors, teaching assistants, and others concerning the use of materials and equipment as necessary. Technician may need to supervise and train undergraduate laboratory assistants as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in BIOL_V teaching lab courses preferred.
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Graduation from a technical college or institute. University degree in Plant Biology/Cell Biology and Molecular Biology with training in Plant Physiology. Minimum of 4 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with tissue culture techniques. Chemical and biohazard safety procedural knowledge is required. Experience in providing technical support for teaching laboratories including development of new teaching experiments, set up and support of new equipment, troubleshooting and effective decision making are all needed for this position in addition to knowledge and experience in basic laboratory procedures and policies. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and within a team environment.