Research Operations Support Specialist(s)

Vancouver Island University; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid holidays

Professional development

Pension plan

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Vancouver Island University seeks a Research Operations Support Specialist for VIU's Nanaimo Campus and Deep Bay Marine Field Station to enable hands-on, regionally relevant applied research in marine and health sciences. The role emphasizes algae culture, shellfish and finfish care, instrumentation support, and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will uphold strong teamwork, meticulous attention to detail, rapid learning, and a passion for scientific discovery while supporting

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Biology, Marine Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in relevant areas; ability to demonstrate current strengths and willingness to grow in new areas.
• Class 5 driver's license with satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate delivery of regionally relevant applied research on VIU's Nanaimo Campus and at Deep Bay Marine Field Station.
• Culture micro- and macro-algae for research and education use.
• Care for invertebrates (oysters, scallops, local clams) and vertebrates (salmonids, sturgeon) in research settings.
• Assist in instrumentation use, maintenance, and data collection.
• Provide regulatory support and ensure compliance with relevant animal care standards.
• Support facilities-based research infrastructure and collaboration with external partners across Vancouver Island.

Skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Fast learner

Science enthusiast

Education

B.Sc. in Biology or related field

Tools

Instrumentation

Aquatic systems

Job description

Duties

The Research Operations Support Specialist will facilitate the delivery of regionally relevant applied research on VIU's Nanaimo Campus and at VIU's Deep Bay Marine Field Station. This is a hands‑on position, primarily in marine sciences but also in health sciences, taking care of the day‑to‑day tasks that add up to great research outputs. In support of this goal, the specialist will provide the following services:

Culturing Micro and Macro Algae

We culture many strains of algae on a daily basis as feed for shellfish. We also produce kelp on a variety of substrates for use in research, education, and restoration.

Invertebrate Care

We support research on Pacific oysters, Japanese scallops, and local clam species. We collect, condition, spawn and care for shellfish used in research and education and outplant them on our aquaculture lease when they're ready.

Vertebrate Care

We support the use of fin fish on our Nanaimo campus for research and educational purposes. Species commonly housed include salmonids and sturgeon. We maintain RAS and flowthrough aquatic systems, dechlorination systems, and wastewater management systems.

Instrumentation Support

Great research requires precise measurement. We support and maintain a wide variety of scientific instrumentation. We also assist in the use of this equipment when needed.

Regulatory Support

We are a federally licensed finfish hatchery, shellfish hatchery, and shellfish farm. We support researchers in understanding their regulatory requirements and assist them in maintaining compliance. VIU also holds a Certificate of Good Animal Practice from the Canadian Council on Animal Care, and we take our responsibilities for the ethical and humane use of animals for research and education very seriously.

Facilities Based Support

We build research systems, assist in the use of VIU buildings for research, and help with the installation of equipment and other infrastructure needed for research.

We are a service‑based group who are purposeful about creating a fun, engaging, and supportive workplace. We interact regularly with external partners and get to work with the people who benefit from our research. We work indoors, outdoors, on boats, and all over Vancouver Island with partners like the Bamfield Centre for Marine Sciences and many First Nations.

We are looking for someone who:

• Thrives in a highly functional team that works hard, gets results, and follows the process to ensure that we deliver exactly what the researcher needs.
• Cares about their work friends and helps them out when they're having a tough day and respects and supports diversity in the workplace.
• Continuously learns and adds to their skillset.
• Is a science geek all the way through and loves being part of the discovery of new knowledge.
• Has a high degree of attention to detail. Successful results are achieved through hundreds of small tasks getting completed properly.
• Loves cleaning: Glassware, life support systems, instrumentation, wet lab space, your office. All of it.
• Is not intimidated by technology and is able to learn and become proficient in the use of instrumentation, automated systems, and novel software.

Required Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Biology, Marine Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Systems Engineering, or a relevant field.
• 3-5 years of experience with several of the areas of activity listed above. We don't expect anyone to be knowledgeable in all areas, but we'd like to hear what you're currently good at and why you're interested in learning about the areas you haven't had a chance to work in yet.
• Class 5 drivers' license with a satisfactory driving record.

Information for Applicants

• This position is a five day per week shift that is usually done during regular business hours, but you have some flexibility with respect to the time you start and end work. Your shift may include one or both weekend days. The position will occasionally include work in the early morning or the evening, and very occasionally in the middle of the night responding to system alarms and incidents. All work is onsite and in person.
• Training and the opportunity to pursue continuing education will be provided.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well‑being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note

• Short‑listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity‑seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity‑seeking groups to self‑identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self‑identification with an equity‑seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

#INDHP