Research Assistant /Technician 2

The University of British Columbia; Electoral Area A; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia invites applications for the Research Assistant / Technician 2 in the Lawrence Department of Civil Engineering. This role provides technical and research support for study of meromixis, circulation, and mixing in water-filled mine pits in northern Canada.

You will assist field and laboratory work, deploy instruments, process data, and prepare draft figures and reports for journal publication, coordinating with graduate students and researchers.

Qualifications

• Relevant field experience in civil/environmental research.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot field and laboratory equipment.
• Commitment to safety and remote fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist field experiments following established protocols and tasks.
• Prepare field safety plans in line with project requirements.
• Travel to Meadowbank mine site to install, service, and download data from instruments.
• Set up and deploy self-recording instruments and verify operation.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot standard field and scientific equipment.
• Refer unusual problems to the Professor or Research Associate.
• Process and analyze data, and prepare summaries, figures for reports and papers.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Laboratory experience

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

MASc in Civil Engineering

Tools

Oceanographic instrumentation

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Research Assistant /Technician 2 Department Lawrence | Department of Civil Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $4,696.00 - $5,140.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 25, 2026 Job End Date August 31, 2027

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

Provides technical and research assistance for the study of meromixis, circulation, and mixing in water filled mine pits in northern Canada. The position supports field research, laboratory experiments, numerical modelling, data processing, and the preparation of research reports.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Professor and the Research Associate responsible for the project. Works collaboratively with graduate students and other members of the research team.

Work Performed

• Assists with the preparation and conduct of field experiments by completing specifically assigned tasks using established procedures and protocols.
• Assists in preparing field safety plans in accordance with established safety requirements and project procedures.
• Prepares for and participates in field trips to the Meadowbank mine site to install new instrumentation, service existing instrumentation, and download recorded data.
• Sets up and deploys self recording instruments and verifies that equipment is operating correctly.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots standard field and scientific equipment.
• Refers unusual or complex equipment problems to the Professor or Research Associate.
• Performs assigned technical tasks related to laboratory experimentation and numerical modelling using established methods and protocols.
• Assists with the processing, analysis, and interpretation of research data by assembling, compiling, organizing, and summarizing recorded information.
• Prepares assigned data summaries, figures, and draft materials for research reports and papers intended for journal publication.
• Organizes the laboratory and storage areas, maintains inventory records, and distributes supplies as required.
• Coordinates routine field and laboratory activities with graduate students and other members of the research team.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the qualifications and requirements of the position.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors in handling, installing, or servicing delicate scientific equipment could result in equipment damage, inaccurate measurements, or the loss of research data. Incorrect deployment or processing of data could affect the reliability of research results. Failure to follow established safety procedures while working from small power boats or in remote locations could result in serious injury or death.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the Professor and Research Associate. Receives instructions regarding research priorities, field assignments, established procedures, and new or changed responsibilities. Independently carries familiar assignments through to completion and refers new, unusual, or complex problems to the supervisor.

Supervision Given

None. May coordinate routine activities with graduate students but does not have formal supervisory responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience 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

• An undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering is preferred.
• A research based Master of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in Physical Limnology, is an asset.
• Experience conducting fieldwork using scientific oceanographic equipment.
• Experience processing and analyzing scientific field data.
• Experience participating in laboratory experiments and numerical modelling.
• Valid driver’s licence and ability to participate in fieldwork at remote locations.

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. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].