Staff - Non Union

##Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

##Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

##Job Title

Dairy Research Assistant

##Department

Animal Welfare and Research | Dairy and Education Research Centre | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

##Compensation Range

$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

##Posting End Date

April 3, 2026

**Note:**Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

April 6, 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 UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre (DERC) is located in Agassiz, 130 km east of the UBC Point Grey Campus. The dairy centre is required to operate on a financially self-sustaining basis. The Centre plays a unique role as a centre for research, teaching, and technology transfer relating to dairy and forage production, agronomic crops and practices, and soils. Concurrently, it also operates as a fully functioning dairy (milk) production enterprise. Given its research mandate there is active participation at the Centre by faculty members and students from UBC and other universities, government specialists, industry groups, and individuals. The role of this position will be to assist the Animal Health, Welfare and Research (AHWR) Manager with the organization and execution of research trials with dairy cattle and when needed, help with general farm duties if time permits.

Organizational Status This position reports to the Animal Health, Welfare and Research (AHWR) Manager. Works with graduate students, principle investigators and farm staff.

Work Performed

• Supports the AHWR Manager in collecting routine animal health data [e.g., body condition score (BCS), subclinical ketosis and other cow data, lameness, etc.] that allows for retrospective use of data collected at the Dairy Centre (e.g. feed intakes, Automated milking system (AMS) data).
• Assists in training students in how to perform various cow and calf health measurements (e.g., blood sample collection) and how to handle and move animals in a safe manner (e.g., student and researcher onboarding)
• Assists in training students to use the software and equipment associated with technologies used on the Dairy Centre, including the computerized feed intake systems, the AMS, automatic calf feeders, scales and “Genie” platform lift.
• Assists with the maintenance of technologies and equipment frequently used for research data collection and writes and organizes SOP’s for equipment use including data extraction and supports data organization. Calibrating automatic calf feeders, scales and Insentec equipment on a regular basis, performing validation trials of equipment to determine the accuracy for research. Monitoring when supplies need to be purchased.
• Maintains inventory of technologies used for data collection purposes at DERC, including records of ownership, purchase date, receipts.
• In conjunction with the AHWR Manager, coordinates with students and principle investigators to ensure that all equipment and used facility spaces are clean and in good working condition after use in projects.
• Assist in coordinating with and training students (and researchers) who are conducting research projects at the farm so that they have sufficient help during their project such as organizing lab-owned research equipment and materials (e.g. storage space, disposal of sharps containers, set up and removal of cameras / video recording equipment, etc.)
• Performs other duties as required. During times when research demands wane, this position will help out with the general duties of the farm in consultation with the Animal Health, Welfare and Research Manager and Business Operations Manager.

Consequence of Error/Judgement Errors will result in inefficiencies of the research performed at the DERC and flawed research data. Poor judgement can negatively impact the research projects, student experience and revenue generation from decreased milk production. Inefficiencies will reflect poorly on the reputation of the Centre, Faculty and the University.

Supervision Received Reports to the Animal Health, Welfare and Research Manager.

Supervision Given None.

Minimum Qualifications High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science preferred.

• Research experience is an asset.

• Demonstrated knowledge of handling large animals.

• Ability to work independently and in a team

• Must be able to prioritize, multitask and meet deadlines

• Must have strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Advanced computer experience is required (e.g. MS Office, lab/research equipment software, databases)

• Valid BC Driver’s License

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

.