Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials. This internship focuses on supporting techno-economic analyses and process development within the BioProducts Institute, with potential remote work arrangement and a Vancouver campus base.

The role offers exposure to interdisciplinary engineers, scientists, and policy experts and aims at advancing bioproducts from lab to scalable processes.

Qualifications

• High school graduation with some related coursework or training and at least two years of related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including those that differ from your own.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Support TEA development including drafting process flow diagrams, equipment sizing and costing.
• Assist with defining scope of work, phases, schedules and objectives.
• Identify potential technical risks and opportunities through high-level review.
• Contribute to technology development to inform startup next steps.
• Collaborate with researchers and the BPI team to advance bioproduct projects.

Education

High School Diploma

University degree in Science or Engineering

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials Department Pulp and Paper Centre | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range $4,597.80 - $5,469.59 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date September 14, 2026

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

Job End Date March 31, 2027

Job Summary

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.

The UBC BioProducts Institute's (BPI) vision is to develop research capacity and educational programs related to the formation of plant-derived materials and pathways for their sustainable transformation into new low-carbon products - forecasted to be a $1 trillion market globally by 2030. The UBC BPI is an internationally recognized, multi- disciplinary research cluster of researchers, scientists, engineers, and policy experts from across multiple UBC faculties.

Working as a Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials, this internship is an integral part of the UBC Bioproducts Institute. The intern will be part of and be mentored by a team of high caliber engineers, scientists and business professionals. The work is based in UBC Vancouver campus or a combination with a remote work arrangement. This internship will provide opportunity for the intern to get into the field of sustainable technologies that are closely linked with Canadian resources sectors, related to the use of forest & agriculture byproducts to create advanced bio-products materials as a replacement of fossil fuel based engineered materials. The intern will work to support projects in the ATR program, and support the research team’s effort to fine tune the manufacturing process and characterize samples using various analytical methods. Post internship employment opportunities in the fields of bioproducts, forestry, agriculture innovations, and circular economies are abundant and promising.

Organizational Status

The Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials reports to the Director of Operations, BioProducts Institute. This position may take direction from other research team members or senior staff within BPI.

Work Performed

• Support the development of Techno-Economic Analyses (TEA), including drafting process flow diagrams (PFD), equipment sizing and costing, economic analysis, and sensitivity analysis on key process variables.
• Participate in defining Scope of Work for projects including defining phases, schedule, and objectives.
• Assist with high-level technical review with the objective of identifying potential critical technical risks, liabilities and opportunities.
• Assist with defining the most critical development required for technology technical development to inform start up next steps.
• Work with world-class researchers within the BioProducts Institute, to add value to emerging technologies from the Accelerating Technology Readiness (ATR) program, and/or ATR project(s).
• Interact with university researchers, graduate students and postdocs, as well as the BPI team to deliver to bioproduct projects and BPI initiatives.
• Develop graphic presentation materials to communicate research outcomes and scalability strategies with research industry partners and interdisciplinary research teams.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position initiates action or makes recommendations on actions based on analysis of data and reports prepared from controlled data. Incorrect advice will result in reduced awards insuccessful applications, or ineligible expenses in post award audits. Incorrect advice on settingbudget could result in significant over-expenditures.

Supervision Received

Works under general managerial direction in assigned areas of responsibility. Work is reviewed in terms of effectiveness within established policies and guidelines.

Supervision Given

Does not supervise staff at this time.

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

• University degree in Science, or Engineering (e.g. Chemical Engineering).
• Experience working in a chemical laboratory is considered an asset.
• A combination of technical and business training/work experience are considered assets.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with members of staff, faculty, and senior management.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects/tasks as well as multiple deadlines, prioritize effectively and adapt quickly and efficiently to change.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve them.

Equity and Diversity

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].