Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4 Job Title Research Asst/Tech 4 Department Biology Program | Matrix | Department of Botany | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $5,770.00 - $6,270.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date October 19, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Ongoing This is a leave replacement for a fixed term duration.
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 Description Summary The candidate is responsible for the technical support for the teaching laboratory courses as part of the Biology Program, which is the undergraduate program of the Departments of Botany and Zoology. The incumbent will join a team of teaching technicians that work collaboratively to support a range of Biology teaching labs. The candidate should be able to respond to shifting priorities and works to resolve issues that arise in an efficient and calm manner.
Organizational Status Reports Administratively directly to the Biology Program Manager and works closely with course instructors for technical and teaching purposes.
Work Performed Designs, fabricates or procures, and maintains materials and equipment for teaching laboratory exercises
Assists lab instructors with developing and troubleshooting technical aspects of laboratory exercises and SOPs for experiments.
Acquires and maintains cultures of a wide range of organisms used in teaching laboratories, including algae, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, using established and developed culturing techniques in accordance with UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC) standards
Develops, modifies, and performs technical procedures and laboratory exercises in collaboration with laboratory instructors and teaching assistants.
Oversees laboratory requirements by overseeing equipment, organism, reagent, and supply needs.
Provides technical guidance to undergraduate students undertaking laboratory projects, as required.




Trains and provides technical guidance to laboratory technicians and work learn students, including staff to support multiple teaching laboratories.
Oversees the compliance with laboratory health, safety, environmental, and animal care regulations, including participation on Department of Zoology/Botany Local Safety Teams.
Performs other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement Because this position involves student contact, errors have far-reaching consequences. Experiments are designed and tested in advance of the academic year in collaboration with instructors. Materials and equipment must be properly calibrated and in good working order prior to use in laboratory experiments. Technicians must be available during teaching times. Failure to assess needs adequately could result in increased costs, teaching interruptions, and delays as well as unnecessary frustration for students and instructors. Negative course and program experiences could influence student opinion toward the program, departments, and university.
Supervision Received Reports administratively to the Biology Program Manager. Technicians work independently to fulfill tasks under the supervision and guidance of course instructors. Instructions will be provided both in written and oral form as needed. The technician is expected to determine the necessary activities to ensure the success of the exercises.
Supervision Given Technician provides instruction to new instructors, teaching assistants, and others concerning the use of materials and equipment as necessary. Technician may need to supervise and train undergraduate laboratory assistants as needed.
Minimum Qualifications 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 Experience in BIOL_V teaching lab courses preferred. Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.



Graduation from a technical college or institute. University degree in Plant Biology/Cell Biology and Molecular Biology with training in Plant Physiology. Minimum of 4 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with tissue culture techniques. Chemical and biohazard safety procedural knowledge is required. Experience in providing technical support for teaching laboratories including development of new teaching experiments, set up and support of recent equipment, troubleshooting and effective decision making are all needed for this position in addition to knowledge and experience in basic laboratory procedures and policies. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
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.
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.
however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Are you ready to embrace the future together?
If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [email protected].

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📌 Research Asst/Tech 4 (British Columbia)
🏢 University of British Columbia
📍 British Columbia