Research Assistant /Technician 4
About the role
Staff - Union
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4
Job Title
Research Assistant /Technician 4
Department
Research | Hallam | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$5,439.00 - $5,910.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
March 17, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
April 30, 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 Hallam Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia is in search of a Lead Design Technologist to accelerate the development of engineered living materials (ELMs) incorporating fungal mycelium. The Lab is a unique 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 will develop custom design processes and procedures to produce, and test engineered living materials (ELM). The successful candidate will be capable of working independently, drawing from prior technical experience in biofabrication, biomaterial design and interdisciplinary systems thinking. This role will also require specialized technical expertise in computational design, digital fabrication including 3D bioprinting, and material characterization, within the context of several grant funded research initiatives in collaboration with the Biogenic Architecture Lab, located at the Center for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS).
Organizational Status
The Lead Design Technician will report primarily to Dr. Steven Hallam, Professor in the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) and Director of Hallam Lab. The Lead Design Technician will be co-supervised by Professor Joseph Dahmen in the Biogenic Architecture Lab located in CIRS, a frequent collaborator of Dr. Hallam. The Lead Design Technician will contribute to a working group consisting of other senior laboratory staff, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students engaged in various aspects of ELM development at the Hallam Lab and the Biogenic Architecture Lab.
Work Performed
- Independently designs and modifies complex processes for the biofabrication of fungal mycelium, utilizing advanced computational tools to develop novel form factors and architectural prototypes.
- Leads the development of novel 3D bioprinting protocols for lignocellulosic substrates infused with living mycelium, specifically optimizing for non-sterile conditions and industrial scale-up.
- Conducts complex evaluations of the form and performance of functional biomaterials using specialized equipment to iterate on biofabrication form factors and processes.
- Oversees design operations, including responsibility for biofabrication-specific research budgets, grant writing, and making recommendations for large-scale biofabrication equipment.
- Coordinates interdisciplinary procedures to integrate findings from microbiology, material science, and process engineering into design processes.
- Supervises, schedules, and trains undergraduate and graduate students, coordinates work plans and provides instruction on specialized design and lab techniques.
- Writes technical reports and peer-reviewed journal articles and designs high-impact knowledge mobilization products (conceptual renderings, diagrams, infographics, slide decks, exhibitions) for diverse academic and community audiences.
- Develops technical communications for interdisciplinary partners across Microbiology, Architecture, and public/private sectors.
- Leads design discussions within the working group and periodically presents on research outcomes at lab meetings.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
A high degree of organization, sound 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 will be self-motivated designer with exceptional skills in multi-tasking and problem solving capable of working on interdisciplinary teams minimum supervision. They will be responsible for determining pathways and methods to achieve project priorities developed in consultation with Professors Hallam and Dahmen.
Supervision Given
The candidate will work with Professors Hallam and Dahmen to support research and development activities within the working group, and be expected to supervise a group of undergraduate and graduate students working on related activities. The candidate will consult with project management, research partners, and collaborators from the public and private sectors.
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
- Master’s degree in design or architecture with significant research experience in biofabrication or development of novel biomaterials with a focus in biodesign or equivalent industry experience or a combination of education and industry experience.
- Comfortable leading discussions and running workshops using design-thinking, human-centred, and liberatory design frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience of working effectively in a highly interdisciplinary setting.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
- Demonstrated 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.
About Us
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
.
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Research Assistant /Technician 4
About the role
Staff - Union
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4
Job Title
Research Assistant /Technician 4
Department
Research | Hallam | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$5,439.00 - $5,910.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
March 17, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
April 30, 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 Hallam Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia is in search of a Lead Design Technologist to accelerate the development of engineered living materials (ELMs) incorporating fungal mycelium. The Lab is a unique 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 will develop custom design processes and procedures to produce, and test engineered living materials (ELM). The successful candidate will be capable of working independently, drawing from prior technical experience in biofabrication, biomaterial design and interdisciplinary systems thinking. This role will also require specialized technical expertise in computational design, digital fabrication including 3D bioprinting, and material characterization, within the context of several grant funded research initiatives in collaboration with the Biogenic Architecture Lab, located at the Center for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS).
Organizational Status
The Lead Design Technician will report primarily to Dr. Steven Hallam, Professor in the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) and Director of Hallam Lab. The Lead Design Technician will be co-supervised by Professor Joseph Dahmen in the Biogenic Architecture Lab located in CIRS, a frequent collaborator of Dr. Hallam. The Lead Design Technician will contribute to a working group consisting of other senior laboratory staff, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students engaged in various aspects of ELM development at the Hallam Lab and the Biogenic Architecture Lab.
Work Performed
- Independently designs and modifies complex processes for the biofabrication of fungal mycelium, utilizing advanced computational tools to develop novel form factors and architectural prototypes.
- Leads the development of novel 3D bioprinting protocols for lignocellulosic substrates infused with living mycelium, specifically optimizing for non-sterile conditions and industrial scale-up.
- Conducts complex evaluations of the form and performance of functional biomaterials using specialized equipment to iterate on biofabrication form factors and processes.
- Oversees design operations, including responsibility for biofabrication-specific research budgets, grant writing, and making recommendations for large-scale biofabrication equipment.
- Coordinates interdisciplinary procedures to integrate findings from microbiology, material science, and process engineering into design processes.
- Supervises, schedules, and trains undergraduate and graduate students, coordinates work plans and provides instruction on specialized design and lab techniques.
- Writes technical reports and peer-reviewed journal articles and designs high-impact knowledge mobilization products (conceptual renderings, diagrams, infographics, slide decks, exhibitions) for diverse academic and community audiences.
- Develops technical communications for interdisciplinary partners across Microbiology, Architecture, and public/private sectors.
- Leads design discussions within the working group and periodically presents on research outcomes at lab meetings.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
A high degree of organization, sound 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 will be self-motivated designer with exceptional skills in multi-tasking and problem solving capable of working on interdisciplinary teams minimum supervision. They will be responsible for determining pathways and methods to achieve project priorities developed in consultation with Professors Hallam and Dahmen.
Supervision Given
The candidate will work with Professors Hallam and Dahmen to support research and development activities within the working group, and be expected to supervise a group of undergraduate and graduate students working on related activities. The candidate will consult with project management, research partners, and collaborators from the public and private sectors.
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
- Master’s degree in design or architecture with significant research experience in biofabrication or development of novel biomaterials with a focus in biodesign or equivalent industry experience or a combination of education and industry experience.
- Comfortable leading discussions and running workshops using design-thinking, human-centred, and liberatory design frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience of working effectively in a highly interdisciplinary setting.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
- Demonstrated 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.
About Us
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
.