Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4 Job Title Research Assistant /Technician 4 Department Research | Hein Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $5,439.00 - $5,910.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date December 11, 2025 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date December 10, 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 supports the technical maintenance, operation, and instrumentation support of automated platforms at Dr. Jason Hein’s research laboratory. The Hein Lab builds automated, “self-driving” systems using tools from both classical and modern physical organic chemistry to understand and optimize chemical reactions. Duties will include equipment maintenance, inventory management, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and liaising with facilities in the Chemistry Department, UBC. Organizational Status The incumbent reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Jason Hein), Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The cross-functional nature of the research carried out in the Hein group necessitates working in close cooperation, collaboration alongside researchers and other staff for effective teamwork within the lab. Work Performed • Instrumentation support including but not limited to equipment operations, repairs and maintenance of in-house developed automated platforms, including advanced robotics, specialized chemical instruments, and software with the use of Python • Overseeing and participating in research projects and platform development, including assembling and troubleshooting automated platforms, executing experimental campaigns and workflows, collecting experimental data, and conducting process optimization • Troubleshooting instrument software interfaces and power cycling when necessary • Replacing damaged components • Checking solvents, identifying and resolving air bubbles in tubing, leaks, or incorrect fittings • Operational checks on all equipment to ensure functionality • Tracking and maintaining inventory of consumables and frequency of chemicals used • Developing standard operating procedures for automated platforms • Providing training in specialized lab infrastructure • Scheduling equipment user access and usage • Ensuring all WHMIS/EHS regulations are met, safety training, and working with Chemistry’s Safety Office and/or UBC’s Safety & Risk Services (SRS) as needed • Maintaining effective working relationship with Chemistry core facilities for support requirements to support research projects e.g., mechanical and electronic services, IT and stores. • Carrying out routine data backup and general computer maintenance • Carrying out related duties as necessary, which may include ordering and distribution of consumables, sourcing new supplies, researching best supplies, scheduling and monitoring waste removal, etc. Consequence of Error/Judgement Failure to maintain a high standard of work with consistent communication between team members and the Principal Investigator 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 works under general supervision of the Principal Investigator or other group staff members. Initiates and follows up from brief instruction while independently exercising sound judgment within areas of responsibility. Receives instruction on the assignment of new duties as required. Supervision Given This position may oversee junior personnel, graduate and undergraduate students. Minimum Qualifications Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree. - 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 • Some relevant mechanical and/or electrical engineering experience would be beneficial. • Experience with robotics and lab automation would be a definite asset. • Synthetic organic benchwork, familiarity with analytical instrumentation software packages (ChemStation, Mnova, Trilution). • Python coding experience. • Ability to use UBC library information systems and other online resources for research purposes. • Ability to use hand and power tools. 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.
