SBME Building Technician

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Vancouver seeks a Research Technician to support its Biomedical Research Centre. The role involves managing research supplies, preparing lab reagents, and ensuring a safe laboratory environment. Candidates should have a high school diploma, at least two years of relevant experience, and strong organizational and communication skills. This position offers a chance to work in a dynamic academic setting focused on biomedical research.

Qualifications

• High school graduation with some training in a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience or equivalent education experience.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Manage general research supplies and order materials.
• Prepare common reagents and maintain lab space.
• Ensure implementation of laboratory safety rules.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

High school graduation

Undergraduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Summary

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine, established in 2017. Currently the School has 25+ core and joint faculty located on campus and at healthcare research institutes, 250+ undergraduate and undergraduate students, 15+ administrative staff and 5 research core service facilities. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation, aspiring to be a global leader in the field. Its vision is to transform health care outcomes through unconstrained exploration of the best possible integrative solutions across engineering, medicine, and biology.

The Research Technician will provide technical support for the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) building, which acts as the physical home to the SBME. The Research Technician is responsible for preparing core research supplies and consumables, assisting with office and lab setup, moves and clean-ups, overseeing shipment receiving and internal deliveries, daily removal and processing of laboratory waste, maintenance of common building spaces, supporting the building store and general maintenance work that are of limited complexity in nature.

Organizational Status

The Research Technician reports to the Building Manager, and works collaboratively with other building technicians, faculty, students and staff.

Work Performed

• Managing general research supplies (ordering, packing, sterilizing, stocking)
• Preparing common reagents and buffers for research use
• Responsible for maintaining common lab spaces (equipment maintenance, managing waste, general cleaning)
• Processes all laboratory waste in accordance with UBC policies
• Manages Hazardous Waste Inventory System
• May assist in running a laboratory, performing tasks, such as, purchasing supplies and minor equipment and maintaining parts of accounts
• Identifying research tools that need maintenance, and informing the building manager to coordinate repair work
• Coordinates, monitors, and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures
• Assisting in general building shipping and receiving and the distribution of the shipments to the labs
• Assisting with lab cleanups and setups
• May supervise Work Learn Students and lower level technicians
• Carries out other related duties as required

Consequence of Error / Judgement

The work described follows protocols and techniques that have been designed by senior laboratory members. The position requires strong organizational, multi-tasking and communication skills. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential. Failure to keep the supplies well stocked could potentially result in delaying research. Failure to keep the building in a clean and safe condition will result in safety and risk management issues that could potentially damage the School’s reputation. Errors could compromise the scientific integrity of a project.

Supervision Received

Works under supervision of the Building Manager and indirectly reports to the Director, Strategic Planning and Operations on any major issues. Receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.

Supervision Given

May supervise Work Learn Students and lower level technicians

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

High School graduation. Undergraduate degree an asset.

Some knowledge of life sciences research is preferred.

Minimum of 1 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to effectively use computer software’s at a basic level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel).

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the job including ability to lift heavy equipment and furniture. (e.g., lifting, standing, working at heights,) Ability to prepare equipment and supply for lab use, including washing glassware, preparing supplies for autoclaving, prepares PBS, aliquoting supplies, packing tips, etc.