Lab Technician à Canada

Staff - Union

Job Category CUPE 116 Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant/Technician - Engineered Living Materials Department Research | Hallam | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date June 17, 2025

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

Job End Date

Jul 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:

The Hallam Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia is in search of a Research Assistant/Technician to accelerate the development of engineered living materials (ELMs) incorporating fungal mycelium. The Lab is a highly interdisciplinary collection of researchers that combine microbial ecology, molecular biology, biological engineering, genomics and bioinformatics to convert basic science insights into biotechnology innovations. The candidate is expected to contribute know-how in materials science, biofabrication, design and manufacturing and receive training in microbiology and molecular biology within the context of several grant funded research initiatives in collaboration with the Center for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS).

Organizational Status:

The Research Assistant/Technician will report directly to Professor Steven Hallam in the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) and receive co-supervision from Professor Jospeh Dahmen in the Biogenic Architecture Lab located in CIRS. They will work as part of a working group consisting of senior laboratory staff, a postdoctoral fellow, and several graduate and undergraduate students engaged in various aspects of ELM development.

Work Performed:

• Participate in the design and development of ELMS and biofabrication processes using various methods including molding and 3D printing of fungal mycelium,

• Conduct experiments with different formulations and design specifications needed for prototyping,

• Help characterize performance of function biomaterials for various industrial applications using various analytical equipment located in the LSI and CIRS,

• Keep detailed laboratory records and develop written reports and oral presentations necessary for communication within the team and continuity of research effort,

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures pertaining to the use of biofabrication equipment, including but not limited to 3D printers, and

• Participate in scientific discussions within the working group and periodically present on research outcomes at lab meetings.

Consequence of Error/Judgement:

A high degree of organization, good judgment, integrity and attention to detail is required in making appropriate decisions, including those involving sample chain of custody, financial and human resource issues. Errors in judgment or decisions may negatively impact trainees, financial and operational activities of the project. Errors in judgment may negatively impact the reputation of the project and the University.

Supervision Received:

The successful candidate needs to be a self-motivated cooperator with exceptional problem solving and multi-tasking skills and will operate with limited direct supervision. They will set their own priorities in consultation with Professors Hallam and Dahmen.

Supervision Given:

Works with Professors Hallam and Dahmen to support research and development activities within the working group. Will supervise one or more undergraduate students working on related activities. Consults with project management, research partners, and collaborators from the public and private sectors.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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

• Masters degree with 2+ years of research experience in biofabrication or development of novel biomaterials or equivalent industry experience or a combination of education and industry experience

• Demonstrated experience of working in a highly interdisciplinary setting

• 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

The ideal candidate is highly motivated and has knowledge of various design frameworks that can be applied to both research and industrial scale-up. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to balance multiple projects/tasks and deadlines, analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and can resolve them effectively. They are keen to work in a collaborative setting and have experience operating in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, effectively prioritizing tasks and adapting quickly and efficiently to change. The candidate should be familiar with visualization, design and fabrication processes for various commercial products and materials. Hands-on experience with biomaterials development is considered a plus. The position requires exceptional communication skills working across multiple research and training levels and a high level of initiative, drive and personal responsibility.