Laboratory Technician

Yukon University; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the North is seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support biodiversity collections and research laboratories in Whitehorse. Responsibilities include maintaining the herbarium, specimen preservation, and providing technical support for research inquiries and projects. The ideal candidate holds a relevant Bachelor's degree and has lab experience, enthusiastic about plants and biodiversity.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in a research, laboratory and/or collections environment.
• Keen enthusiasm for plants, collections, knowledge mobilization, and biodiversity in Yukon.
• Strong understanding of lab safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to research laboratories and collections.
• Handle specimen preservation and archival preparation.
• Ensure safe operation of lab equipment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science (preferably botany)

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Lab equipment

Job description

Overview

Laboratory Technician – YukonU Research Centre, Ayamdigut Campus (Whitehorse). Wage: $35.10 to $38.90 hourly. Based on 75 hours bi-weekly. Term to August 31, 2027. Employment Opportunity No.: 25.126. Closing date: October 30, 2025.

Be a part of the North's leading research university
Yukon University is seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support biodiversity collections and research laboratories. This role involves maintaining the University’s herbarium and supporting plant specimen preservation, archival work, and research across diverse projects.

About the Role

The Laboratory Technician provides technical and operational support to Yukon University research laboratories and collections. Focusing on the herbarium, the Technician handles specimen preservation, facilitates research inquiries, archival preparation and mounting, filing and georeferencing, digitizing specimens, and fostering herbarium-related collaborations and projects. The role also includes on-site support to other areas of the research laboratory, ensuring safe operation of lab equipment, assisting with mechanical equipment maintenance, preparing instructional and research materials, maintaining organized records, and providing technical and logistical support to researchers, faculty and students.

What You Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline (preferably botany) and at least 2 years of experience in a research, laboratory and/or collections environment.
• A keen enthusiasm for plants, collections, knowledge mobilization, and biodiversity in the Yukon.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a diverse team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of lab safety procedures and inventory systems.
• Proficiency in computer use and software such as MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• WHMIS Certification
• First Aid Certification
• Experience in plant identification and knowledge of botanical nomenclature
• Familiarity with GIS software and digitization processes

Consideration may be given to those with an appropriate blend of education and experience.

This process may be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to staff similar vacancies as and when required. The duration of this eligibility list will be six months.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, qualified candidates who self-identify as Yukon First Nations, Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:
Dr. Gemma Richardson
Manager, Research and Scholarly Activity
Research Service Office
[e-mail]

How to apply
Quoting the employment opportunity number, please send your cover letter and resume to:

Employment opportunity number 25.126
Department YukonU Research Centre (YRC)
Salary $35.10 to $38.90 hourly
Term to August 31, 2027
Campus Whitehorse, Ayamdigut
Closing date October 30, 2025

Quoting the employment opportunity number, please send your cover letter and resume to:

Human Resource Services
Yukon University, Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5K4
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Applicants should clearly outline all relevant qualifications since selection for interview will be based on applications submitted. A statement of qualifications, which outlines the selection standards, and a position description are available in PDF format for all Bargaining Unit positions by following the links above. Please be prepared to provide official transcripts upon request. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.