Auxiliary Multispecies Archaeology Research Technician

UBC The University of British Columbia; Electoral Area A; On-site; CAD 37,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia invites applications for an Auxiliary Multispecies Archaeology Research Technician in the Department of Anthropology. Under supervision, you will support routine research tasks, coordinate studies, manage supplies and record data, contributing to ongoing MSAL/MARG projects at UBC.

Responsibilities include preparing experiments, scheduling group activities, following SOPs, and maintaining meticulous records while upholding ethical guidelines and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school graduation and a minimum one year of related experience.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to learn with minimal instruction.

Responsibilities

• Assists in organizing, preparing and running experiments.
• Contacts and schedules appointments with research group members.
• Records test data following SOPs and lab protocols.
• Ensures data integrity and proper handling of samples.

Skills

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Data analysis

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

R Studio

RefWorks

Reference Manager

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 1 Job Title Auxiliary Multispecies Archaeology Research Technician Department Research | Alaica | Department of Anthropology Compensation Range $27.07 - $28.40 CAD Hourly Posting End Date October 18, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date April 30, 2027 This is an auxiliary hourly position with a work schedule of 5 hours per week 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

With direction from the supervisor, Dr. Aleksa Alaica, will perform routine research tasks. Assists with coordinating research studies, maintaining supplies, performing experiments, and acquiring and recording data.

Organizational Status

Works under the direction of the Principal Investigator of the Multispecies Archaeology Laboratory (MSAL) a facility within the Multispecies Archaeology Research Group (MARG). Interacts with student researchers and other members of the research team

Work Performed

• Assists in organizing, preparing and running experiments, which includes photocopying and preparing forms.
• Contacting and scheduling appointments with research group members, volunteers, honours students, and visiting researchers.
• Running participants through standards of operation (SOPs); recording test data.
• All components follow set lab protocols.
• Adheres to guidelines concerning the integrity and respectful treatment of results and participants.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors in the laboratory would result in the loss or contamination of samples, the vast majority of which have been collected from archaeological sites and are of high cultural value and irreplaceable. Errors can result in safety hazards, as well as result in loss of time and will create delays in the busy operations of the facility. MARG as part of the Department of Anthropology the MARG Technician is responsible for ensuring that these collections are analyzed according to MARG. Errors could have financial, legal, ethical, and other consequences for MARG, LOA and UBC and could damage relationships with the provincial government, descendent communities, the academic community, and the general public.

Supervision Received

The lab director provides direct supervision. Written and/or verbal protocols for all procedures will be provided.

Supervision Given

None

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, preferably in Anthropology.
• Experience as a coordinator position within research working in social sciences research.
• Knowledge of MS-Word, Excel, Powerpoint, & Presentation software.
• Able to grasp things quickly & able to learn with minimal instruction.
• Able to multitask; comfortable working in a research environment that involves many projects.
• Very detail-oriented & accurate; able to stay on top of many details simultaneously.
• Calm, patient, flexible - able to work quickly to meet sudden deadlines.
• Very strong interpersonal skills.
• Computer and data analysis skills (Word processing, EXCEL, Reference Manager or RefWorks, R Studio).
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].