Laboratory Assistant

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university in Vancouver is seeking a Lab Technician to support the stable isotope facility. Responsibilities include preparing samples, managing inventory, and conducting maintenance on analytical instruments. Candidates should have a background in natural sciences and preferably experience in stable isotope analysis. This role requires a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications

• High school graduation and one year of related experience.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience in stable isotope mass spectrometry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and weigh samples for stable isotope analysis.
• Manage chemical and gas inventory in the lab.
• Conduct weekly maintenance checks of mass spectrometers.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Stable isotope analysis

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences

Tools

Mass spectrometer

Job description

Job Summary

This position will support the activities within the stable isotope facility housed within PCIGR in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at UBC. This facility primarily serves on campus researchers, as well as providing analytical services to government and academic clients. We seek an individual who will assist with day-to-day laboratory functioning, which includes basic lab tasks such as checking the operational status of instruments, maintaining a clean lab space, managing lab visitors and students, and inventory. This person will also perform tasks specific to the stable isotope facility, such as preparing diverse biological and geological samples for stable isotope analysis, weighing samples and standards on a microbalance, running samples on a mass spectrometer, and performing regular maintenance on our instruments. Preference will be given to candidates with this experience.

Organizational Status

Reports to Dr. Kendra Chritz

Responsibilities

• Prepare and weigh samples and standards for stable isotope analysis following procedures outlined by clients of the lab.

• Manage chemical and gas inventory and stock, including making fresh stock solution and phosphoric acid for carbonate analysis

• Conduct and perform weekly maintenance checks of the isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS), including checking and/or changing oil in roughing pumps, changing compressed gas tanks, performing stability and linearity tests, etc.

• Participate in maintenance of IRMS alongside other lab personnel, such as source filament replacement or cleaning, elemental analyzer column replacement

• Organize and keep track of sample permits and samples stored in the lab

• Maintain safety, organization and permit compliance of the IRMS and prep lab space

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors in the preparation and weighing of samples or standards may result in inaccurate data, undermining the validity of research outcomes.

Supervision

Supervision Received: Works under direct supervision of Dr. Kendra Chritz

Supervision Given: None.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation and a minimum one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willigness to respect diverse perspectives and work with diverse groups of people

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences field (Environmental Sciences, Geology, Biology, Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, etc), as well as previous experience with stable isotope analysis. Preference will be given to candidates with prior laboratory experience in stable isotope mass spectrometry.