Research Assistant /Technician 2

at  University of British Columbia

CUPE 116

Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Job Title
Research Assistant /Technician 2
Department
Research | Crowe Laboratory | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
February 6, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Feb 28, 2026
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 Summary
This position is fully grant funded and supports Geomicrobiological research at UBC. With direction from the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will assist in geochemical and microbiological analyses and experiments, participate in field expeditions, conduct inventory management, maintain laboratory infrastructure, and look after record keeping. They will perform analyses following established protocols related primarily to environmental microbiology and biogeochemistry. These require technical skills in classical and molecular microbiology, analytical chemistry, and field sampling, along with scientific knowledge in microbiology, biogeochemistry, and environmental science.
Will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Crowe Lab spaces, including maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment.
Will be responsible for the orderliness and cleanliness of the lab spaces and the preparation and upkeep of general-use laboratory reagents and equipment.
Will help to keep protocol documentation up to date and complete and will maintain Crowe Lab accounts.
Organizational Status
The individual will report directly to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Crowe) weekly. Will initially work under close supervision but is expected to work with minimal supervision once proficiency in the duties assigned has been established.
Work Performed
Updating and maintaining a comprehensive suite of microbiological and geochemical techniques in the Crowe Lab, applying and performing these techniques as needed, and training lab members in these techniques. All techniques to be performed by defined protocols and will directly relate to ongoing research in the lab.
Field Work: Assist with field-work as needed.
Lab supplies: Assist in ordering; keeping track of supply inventory; unpacking lab supplies and putting them in proper places.
Record keeping: Using computer to help maintain technical and financial records.
Lab maintenance and organization: Responsible for the general up-keep of the lab facilities.
Reporting: Responsible for providing to the Principal Investigator a monthly report that underlines the experiments performed, the results obtained and their analysis. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work will be checked by the Principal Investigator and discussed in weekly meetings, and as needed. Errors or inappropriate decisions will primarily impact research progress (milestones), and measures such as frequent meetings with the faculty member to avoid such occurrences will be taken. If an error occurred, valuable reagents, research time, and money could be lost.
Supervision Received
Initially, all experiments and organizational tasks will be performed under the direct supervision of the PI, or other trained personnel. Written and/or verbal protocols for all procedures will be provided. Once familiar with the techniques and procedures, immediate supervision will decline, unless requested or required.
Supervision Given
None expected. We are looking for an independent and self-motivated individual with a thorough knowledge of best laboratory practices. Moreover, as the successful applicant becomes familiar with new protocols and procedures, they will be asked to transfer this knowledge to incoming team members and to assist in their instruction.
Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 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
M. Sc. in Microbiology, Earth Science, or similar discipline preferred. Minimum two years of experience operating in a research laboratory required. Should be comfortable with spreadsheets, word processing, grant and report writing and manifest a demonstrated ability to organize and complete assignments without ongoing direction. Good interpersonal and practical laboratory skills and ability to calculate molarities for chemical solutions required. Expertise required in microbiology culture and practices, including in the use of bacteria. Field experience is mandatory. Additionally, demonstrated experience and experience in molecular microbiology is preferred.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to attend departmental seminars and will fully participate in project team meetings including associated journal discussion group. This includes presentation and discussion of experimental results generated by the applicant and published work described in the scientific literature. Must be able to follow and carry out instructions from Principal Investigator. Must be able to carry out responsibilities independently. Interest and enthusiasm for scientific research

Please refer the Job description for details