Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 1 Job Title research assistant Department Biotechnology & Chemistry of Wood Fibres Research | Department of Wood Science | Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship Compensation Range $4,399.00 - $4,615.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date October 13, 2026 Job End Date January 31, 2027 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 cell wall chemistry research assistant (RA) will participate in sample preparation, sample extraction, sample analysis, and research logistics.

Organizational Status

This position is in the new Plant Cell Wall Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, led by Dr.

Shawn

Mansfield in the Department of Wood Science. The RA will support research by Dr. Mansfield and his post-docs and graduate students; they may be assisted by undergraduates on some projects. Core responsibilities - Collect samples sites throughout BC

- Prepare plant samples (dry and grind samples)
- Extract samples with organic solvents, using Soxhlet extractor and Extreva extractor
- Undertake routine chemical analysis of plant samples (Klason analysis; thioacidolysis) following detailed instructions.
- Any unexpected results will be referred to the researcher.
- Enter data, format data for analyses and prepare data summaries Consequence of Error/Judgement The RA will have access to Dr.



Mansfield’s post-docs/grad students to help make decisions in the lab or via phone or Slack messaging. However, they will need to make decisions about safe conditions to complete laboratory work based on standard chemical laboratory safety plans.

Supervision Received

Dr. Mansfield and his postdocs will provide primary supervision in the lab. Training will be provided for the skill set needed for project. Updates will be provided on request or as needed as projects evolve.

Supervision Given For repetitive tasks (e.g., plant sample grinding and extractions) the RA will supervise undergraduate research assistants.

Minimum Qualifications - High school graduation and a minimum one year 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
- An understanding to plant cell wall chemistry and structure
- Knowledge of tree chemistry analytical techniques Preferred Qualifications - Experience conducting plant biomass extraction with organic solvents
- Previous work measuring plant chemistry using the Klason and thioacidolysis techniques




- Motivated to work in a diverse team including highly motivated plant cell wall biochemists and molecular biologists. 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, creative 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 [email protected].

📌 research assistant (Kelowna)
🏢 University of British Columbia
📍 Kelowna