Laboratory Instructor, Biology - Competition ID: 4755

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Surrey; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 51,000; Part time

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey, BC, invites applications for a Laboratory Instructor, Biology to support the Biology Department's lab-based courses. The role focuses on instruction, student guidance, and assessment across first to fourth-year or applied programs, with potential collaboration with other instructors or faculty.

The position requires a biology-focused degree (baccalaureate; masters preferred), strong English communication, and the ability to travel between campuses.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in Biology; master's preferred.
• Proven related teaching experience is an asset.
• Ability to travel between campuses.

Responsibilities

• Deliver biology laboratory instruction and assess students.
• Assist faculty with lab activities and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with instructors and support staff to manage labs across campuses.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Lab safety

English communication

Education

Baccalaureate degree, Masters preferred, in Biology

Job description

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID: 4755
Internal Closing Date: August 24, 2026
External Closing Date: Open Until Filled
# of Openings: 5
Salary Information: 13 - BCGEU Pay Grid - $33.88 to $37.81 per hour
Employment Type: On-Call
Workplace Type: On-Site
Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group: Support Staff (BC General Employees Union)
Days of Work (BCGEU): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Flex Hours Required
Hours of Work (BCGEU): On-Call (varies)
Hours per Week (BCGEU): On-Call (varies)

Laboratory Instructor, Biology to join our Faculty of Science team.

Job Overview

The Laboratory Instructor - Biology participates in the Biology Department with the overall course delivery by assuming responsibility for instruction, student guidance and assessment within a lab environment. The Laboratory Instructor - Biology may be assigned to work alongside other Laboratory Instructors (or a faculty member) or alone in fulfilling the above functions. They are expected to perform with a minimum of managerial supervision by the Lab Supervisor and Dean’s Office. Lab responsibilities may involve any university level (first to fourth year) or applied program service courses offered in the Biology Department’s educational plan.

Special Considerations

• The Biology faculty is ultimately responsible for course delivery and development, including the laboratory portion of any course. The Laboratory Instructor - Biology assists the faculty through their role in the labs in achieving this aim. The Lab Instructor – Biology and faculty work collegially to meet a common aim. Workload and scheduled contact hours can be found in the “WORKLOAD GUIDELINES FOR FACULTY OF SCIENCE LAB INSTRUCTORS”.
• The Laboratory Instructor - Biology works in compliance with current WHMIS regulations and directs students in all aspects of lab safety. They must have read the Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Manuals, completed Biosafety and Fire Safety Training and be aware of their potential role and responsibilities in the event of a chemical or biohazardous spill or accident. They must comply with all Biosafety and Biosecurity requirements of the Canadian biosafety standard of the Public Health Agency of Canada while working with Containment Level 2 organisms as it pertains to the department’s pathogens and toxins license.

Education And Experience

• Baccalaureate degree, Masters preferred, in Biology.
• Proven related teaching experience is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated good working knowledge of the course content and competence in laboratory techniques pertaining to the instruction of any year biology courses.
• Demonstrated good working knowledge of the course content and competence in laboratory techniques pertaining to one or more of the following – introduction to biology, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, botany, marine biology, zoology, anatomy and physiology and human anatomy and physiology.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to provide instruction to undergraduate students in a laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of current WHMIS, biosafety and other preventative measures required for the safe operation of the biology lab.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people of varied background and experience.
• Proven ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to travel between campuses.

Please Note:

When applying to this staffing process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory (or pool) for future on-call vacancies. As vacancies become available, applicants who meet the qualifications will be contacted and may require further assessment depending on the requirements of the assignment. Individuals should have a flexible schedule with the ability to work at any of our five campuses.

Job Description

Please click here for a more detailed job description.

As per the KPU-BCGEU Collective Agreement, qualified internal applicants within the BCGEU bargaining unit are given first consideration in filling this position. Internal applicants must apply by 11:59pm on the internal closing date in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Internal applications received after the closing date will be considered as an external applicant.

Salary Information

Salary and wage increments are in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long‑term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.