Research Technician

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious Canadian university in Vancouver is hiring a Research Technician to support materials engineering research. The role involves obtaining patient consent for bone tissue samples, processing specimens, and conducting data analysis. Candidates should have high school graduation and two years of related experience, with preferred skills in biomolecular lab techniques and effective communication. This position offers a monthly compensation of CAD 4,426.00 - CAD 4,845.00, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of related experience or equivalent education.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.

Responsibilities

• Obtain patient consent and bone tissue samples.
• Coordinate with pathology to obtain tissues.
• Process bone tissues for histology and microscopy.
• Analyze specimens using microscopy techniques.
• Conduct data analyses and write technical reports.

Skills

Biomolecular lab techniques

Attention to detail

Effective verbal communication

Effective written communication

Team collaboration

Education

High school graduation with additional training

Tools

Office products (Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel)

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Research Technician Department Student Research Support | R. Wang | Department of Materials Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date December 4, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date December 31, 2026

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

Over its long history, the Department of Materials Engineering at UBC (referred to as the Department) has distinguished itself with excellence in research, teaching and service in the field of Materials Engineering. The Department has a strong record of collaborative work within UBC and industry and promotes interdisciplinary research.

The Research Technician works under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team. Key responsibilities include obtaining patient consent and bone tissue samples, coordinating with the pathology department, processing tissues for histology and microscopy, analyzing specimens, and preparing technical reports.

Organizational Status

The Research Technician reports directly to the Laboratory Principal Investigator (PI) and works collaboratively with other technicians, faculty, students and staff in the building.

Work Performed

• Communicates with surgeons, other research staff, and patients to obtain patients consent on using fractured bone tissues.
• Coordinates with pathology department to obtain bone tissues.
• Processes bone tissues for histology and microscopy in the lab at the Centre for Aging SMART.
• Analyzes bone specimens using various microscopy techniques.
• Conducts data analyses and writes technical reports.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The successful applicant is expected to have a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Errors in judgment could compromise the results of research projects, and therefore impact the credibility of the unit, school, research members and various stakeholders.

Supervision Received

This position receives general direction from the PI on assignment of new duties and escalates new or unusual problems. Collaborates with other technicians, faculty, students and staff.

Supervision Given

Incumbent will oversee the work of students in lower classifications and facilitate meetings with students, offer guidance on their presentations of experimental results and experimental designs for upcoming initiatives, and provide support for their manuscript and thesis inquiries as required.

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

• Previous experience with biomolecular lab techniques preferred.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively use at a basic level computer system, internet browsers and Office products (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel).
• Must communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Works effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Previous experience in research article writing.