Laboratory Assistant

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

University of British Columbia Laboratory Assistant role within the Civil Engineering Workshop supports research activities and student researchers. You will assist with testing, specimen preparation, and maintain lab cleanliness and organization.

The position requires basic education, readiness to work in a diverse team, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with supervision from the Head Engineering Technician.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assist graduate students in testing structural systems and specimen preparation.
• Help perform simple tests and keep the laboratory clean and organized.
• Ensure equipment is stored properly and in working order.
• Record data accurately and maintain lab records.

Skills

High school graduation

Diversity & inclusion

Equity & inclusion commitment

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Job Title Laboratory Assistant Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Laboratory Assistant Job Family Group Staff - Union Department Yang | Department of Civil Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $3,649.00 - $3,869.00 CAD Monthly Job End Date April 30, 2028 Posting End Date October 23, 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

To assist with laboratory tasks related to research activities within the Civil Engineering Workshop.

Organizational Status

The Lab Assistant reports to the Head Engineering Technician in-charge and interacts with graduate students and other research assistants in the team.

Work Performed

The research assistant will assist graduate students in testing novel structural system, specimen preparation and help them in performing simple tests. He/she will also be responsible in keeping the laboratory clean and ensuring that all equipment in the laboratory are properly stored and in working order.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors in performing tests and data recording and entry harm the projects.

Supervision (Received)

Supervised by Head Engineering Technician in-charge.

Supervision (Given)

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation 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

• Experience working in Workshop testing or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preference will be given to those with a Bachelors and/or Master s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and with relevant laboratory experience.
• Training for specific laboratory tests and tasks will be provided on the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to gather, record, and organize information.
• Ability to effectively use MS Word for Windows and MS Excel.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

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.