Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant/Technician 3 Department Research | Li Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date October 3, 2025 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date September 30, 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 This position will perform magnetic tweezers-based experiments including preparing protein samples, analyzing results for compiling research data collection, and maintaining instruments. Organizational Status Reports to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Hongbin Li, Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The incumbent will work closely along side research team members in a collaborative research team environment. Work Performed maintains precision magnetic tweezers setup including optical alignment, charging batteries, and performing software updates; prepares magnetic tweezer experiments by preparing samples, determining the mechanical properties of single proteins; analyzing and interpreting experiment results of research data collected; performs protein expression and purification methods for experiments following detailed protocols; maintains laser engraver, and prepares chambers for magnetic tweezers experiments; cleans glass coverslips including surface modification and functionalization of glass coverslips; assists students by monitoring their experiments and data collection; ensures experimental data has followed detailed protocols; assists students by performing or demonstrating certain procedures as needed. Consequence of Error/Judgement Failure to maintain a high standard of work may result in delays and quality of research output, which may impact the working conditions, reputation, and funding for the research group and UBC. Failure to follow all applicable safety precautions, including carrying out a thorough risk assessment before undertaking an experiment, may result in serious injury to the incumbent and others in the surrounding area. Supervision Received The incumbent will work independently under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and will receive instruction during initial orientation and training. Supervision Given No direct supervision required. 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. A BSc degree in Chemistry preferred. - 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 • Performing protein expression and purification experiments • Good manual dexterity for the use of magnetic tweezer chamber experiments • Experience with data collection analysis and collection • Excellent time management, prioritization and communication skills • Ability to maintain effective and professional working relationships 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 workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.
