Laboratory Instructor, Chemistry - Competition ID: 4759

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Richmond; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental benefits

Tuition waiver

Inter-campus transportation

Pension plan

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is seeking a Laboratory Instructor, Chemistry to join the Faculty of Science team. The role supports course delivery in the lab, guiding students in experiments and assessments under limited supervision, and ensuring safe lab practices.

Applicants should hold a BSc in Chemistry, be proficient in English, and able to travel between campuses. This on‑call, on‑site position offers benefits and must align with BCGEU agreements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry required.
• Demonstrated good working knowledge of chemistry laboratory techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
• Familiarity with WHMIS and lab safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist faculty with course delivery and lab instruction.
• Guide students in lab work and assessment under supervision.
• Support lab setup, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with other instructors and faculty as needed.

Skills

Chemistry knowledge

Lab safety

English communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

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: 4759
• 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)

We are currently seeking a Laboratory Instructor, Chemistry to join our Faculty of Science team.

Job Overview

The Laboratory Instructor - Chemistry assists faculty with the overall course delivery by assuming responsibility for instruction, student guidance and assessment in the lab component of any course. The Laboratory Instructor - Chemistry 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 Associate Dean.

Special Considerations

• The Chemistry faculty is ultimately responsible for course delivery and development, including the laboratory portion of any course. The Laboratory Instructor – Chemistry assists the faculty through their role in the labs in achieving this aim. As such, the Laboratory Instructor - Chemistry may be required to work in direct support of others within the Chemistry Department. Workload and scheduled contact hours can be found in the “Lab Assignment Guidelines for Faculty of Science Lab Instructors.”
• The Laboratory Instructor - Chemistry works in compliance with WHMIS regulations and guides students to do likewise. They must have read the Laboratory Safety Manual and be aware of their potential roles and responsibilities in the event of a chemical spill or accident, performing such roles in the event of a chemical spill or similar incident.

Education And Experience

• Baccalaureate degree in Chemistry.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated good working knowledge of the course content and laboratory techniques pertaining to the instruction of chemistry courses.
• 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 demonstrations in a laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of WHMIS and other preventative measures required for the safe operation of the chemistry lab.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people of varied backgrounds and experience.
• Proven ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Previous related teaching experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to use Learning Management Systems
• 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.

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.