Research Technician

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

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Vancouver is seeking a Research Technician to support CNC machining and research activities. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, with additional training and two years of related experience. Responsibilities include operating CNC machines, conducting precision measurements, and troubleshooting equipment. Applicants should demonstrate commitment to diversity and possess strong technical and interpersonal skills. This is a full-time position with a monthly salary between $4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of related experience or equivalent education.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to respect diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC machine tools for research projects.
• Operate CNC Laser Additive Manufacturing equipment.
• Perform high-precision measurements using CMM.
• Support research initiatives alongside faculty and students.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.

Skills

CNC machining

Measuring instruments

Interpersonal skills

Technical problem-solving

Education

High school diploma

Technical college certification

Tools

CNC machines

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)

Laser Additive Manufacturing equipment

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Research Technician Department Research Group | Manufacturing Automation Laboratory | Department Mechanical Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date February 21, 2026

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

Job End Date September 4, 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

The Research Technician is responsible for programing and operating CNC machining centers, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and Laser Additive Machine. The technician will conduct machining tests with graduate students, produce parts for research laboratories, maintain the machines, and learn and operate machine tool measurement instruments.

Organizational Status

Reports to Dr. Yusuf Altintas. This position works closely with research faculty and graduate students.

Work Performed

• Facilitates experimental cutting tests by setting up CNC machine tools and ensuring equipment readiness for graduate research projects. This includes performing basic NC part programming and the preparation of tools and tool holders.

• Operates CNC Laser Additive Manufacturing equipment to produce parts. Utilizing standardized protocols, monitors the fabrication process to ensure parts meet research specifications.

• Utilizes CMM to perform high-precision measurements and verify the dimensional accuracy of fabricated components. Records and analyzes measurement data to ensure adherence to technical requirements.

• Works closely with faculty members and graduate students to support ongoing research initiatives.

• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots standard laboratory and machining equipment. May assist in the orientation of students or new employees regarding the safe operation of CNC and measurement systems.

• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots standard laboratory and machining equipment. May assist in the orientation of students or new employees regarding the safe operation of CNC and measurement systems.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Technician will perform work as discussed with the supervisors while exercising judgment in establishing priorities and carrying out tasks to completion. New or unusual problems are discussed with the supervisor.

Supervision Received

The Research Technician works under direct supervision in accordance with detailed oral or written instructions. The Research Technician receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.

Supervision Given

None.

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

• 5 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship
• Completed courses in CNC machining and CAM from a recognized technical college, institution or via factory training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability and desire to assist with the operation of the student shop.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge to resolve complex design and operational problems.