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
Engineering Technicians | Department of Mining Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science
Compensation Range
$5,439.00 - $5,910.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
October 18, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Ongoing
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.
The Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus, invites applications for a Research Assistant/Technician.
Job Summary
The Research Assistant/Technician 4 is responsible for providing specialized technical expertise and support for research, teaching, fee-for-service operations, and general laboratory operations in the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering’s laboratories. This includes the Coal and Mineral Processing (CMP) laboratory—covering Rock Mechanics, Ventilation, and Microwave Testing—and the Surface Chemistry laboratories in the Frank Forward Building. The role involves independently designing and supporting research procedures, maintaining and developing lab equipment and facilities, and ensuring safety compliance.
This position works closely with faculty, staff, students, and external users to provide expert guidance and technical instruction in mining/rock mechanics, mineral processing, surface chemistry, and related techniques. A majority of the time is devoted to providing specialized research support, including conducting laboratory tests, operating and modifying bespoke equipment, interpreting results, assisting with managing equipment for external service work, and collaborating with researchers and students.
This is a CUPE 116 position at the Research Assistant/Technician 4 level. The pay grade is B (7), with an hourly wage of $33.47 – $36.37, in accordance with the Collective Agreement. The normal hours of work are 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday).
Organizational Status
Reports to the Facilities Manager and indirectly to the Department Head and Department Manager. Works independently while collaborating closely with other lab technicians, faculty members, and graduate students. Provides technical advice and guidance but does not supervise staff.
Work Performed
- Oversees the day-to-day operation of the CMP, surface chemistry, rock mechanics, ventilation, and microwave testing laboratories, ensuring they meet University and WorkSafeBC safety standards.
- Maintains records of monthly laboratory safety reports and delivers structured safety orientation sessions for all new lab users, including faculty, staff, students, and external researchers.
- Applies and adapts established laboratory techniques in mining, rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, and mineral processing—including spectrophotometry, rheometry, mineral liberation analysis, and density separation—for use in novel experimental setups and research applications.
- Provides consultation to researchers and students on the design of experiments and the selection and adaptation of techniques and instrumentation.
- Performs advanced analysis of mineral and coal samples using both commercial and custom-built laboratory equipment—including spectrophotometers, rheometers, and mineral liberation tools.
- Operates and trains users on specialized instrumentation across multiple labs, including but not limited to:
-
- Surface Chemistry (FF) Lab: TGA, XRD, FTIR, BET analyzer, Elzone Particle Size Analyzer, PMX 100 Zeta Meter, Total Organic Carbon Analyzer, Turbiscan Dispersion Analyzer, AA Spectrophotometer, Lauda Capillary Viscometer, UV/VIS Spectrophotometer, Hach Turbidimeters, FTA Goniometer, Kruss Tensiometer.
- CMP Lab: Bench-scale mineral processing (crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, gravity concentration, flotation, leaching, coal preparation); Pilot-scale equipment including tCO2, Stirred Mills, HPGR, Comex XRT facility, screens, and crushers.
- Rock Mechanics Lab: Controls Press, MTS Press, Direct Shear Apparatus, and rock cutting/grinding/drilling equipment.
- Ventilation Lab: Mine ventilation loop, ducting, anemometers, pitot tubes, thermometers, pressure transducers, and Exhaust Heat Recovery System.
- Microwave Testing Facility: Microwave generator, ultrasonic welder, and chiller.
- Designs, modifies, and performs complex experiments and experimental systems in collaboration with faculty and researchers.
- Operates, troubleshoots, and maintains laboratory equipment and experimental systems to support research activities; may assist faculty with minor modifications or setup adjustments as needed.
- Manages preparation for undergraduate teaching labs, including facility setup, sample organization, and ensuring equipment readiness before classes and demonstrations.
- Works collaboratively with researchers, students, and external partners on technical components of research projects.
- Supports research projects by contributing technical expertise and experimental data, often assisting in the preparation of scientific publications and reports by drafting methods sections, preparing figures, and verifying data accuracy.
- Manages records and manuals for laboratory equipment, schedules annual maintenance visits, coordinates service contractors, and processes related invoices and payments.
- Coordinates chemical inventories, TDG-compliant shipping and receiving, and chemical waste disposal in accordance with regulations.
- Acts as the department’s safety contact for the laboratories, coordinating SDS systems, first aid and spill kits, and performing routine safety inspections and training.
- Participates in lab space planning and assists in the implementation of renovations and installations related to laboratory operations.
- Provides technical support for departmental AV equipment used in classroom and seminar settings.
- Maintains awareness of emerging technologies and techniques in the field and integrates applicable advances into lab operations.
- Carries out the technical and operational aspects of fee-for-service testing, including:
-
- Scheduling external users, tracking services performed, and ensuring compliance with required testing standards.
- Being present during external equipment use to oversee correct operation and safety compliance.
- Analyzing data and drafting technical reports for clients.
- Coordinating instrument calibration and maintaining related documentation.
- Providing support for invoicing and monitoring payments for external services.
- Examples of fee-for-service activities include CMP pilot-scale testing ($20K–$80K/year) and FF laboratory testing ($15K–$20K/year).
- Orders supplies and consumables, organizes storage of equipment and rock samples, and ensures proper inventory tracking.
- May provide input into equipment purchases and contribute to internal proposals related to lab development.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work is performed independently and requires independent technical judgment in assessing priorities, research integration, equipment use, and safety risks. Errors in procedures, data interpretation, or equipment maintenance could result in injury, research delays, loss of external client revenue, or financial costs to the department.
Supervision Received
Works independently under direction. Receives guidance on complex or novel tasks but is expected to manage day-to-day operations without direct supervision.
Supervision Given
Provides instruction and technical guidance to faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students using lab equipment or conducting experiments. May demonstrate techniques or oversee small-scale student projects related to area of expertise. Does not supervise staff.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong background in mineral processing, surface chemistry, or a related technical field.
- Ability to perform, modify or develop experimental protocols.
- Familiarity with analyzing and interpreting research data.
- Experience on academic writing, figures, or methods sections of papers and grant applications.
- Demonstrated experience with advanced laboratory instrumentation and techniques.
- Proven ability to independently conduct complex technical procedures and support research projects.
- Experience managing fee-for-service operations, including client reporting and invoicing.
- Strong record-keeping and organizational skills, including equipment manuals, maintenance logs, and chemical inventories.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly and provide effective training.
- Commitment to safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lab environments.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-user lab setting while managing concurrent tasks.
- Ability to lift up to 20 kg and safely handle hazardous chemicals and equipment.
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
Engineering Technicians | Department of Mining Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science
Compensation Range
$5,439.00 - $5,910.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
October 18, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Ongoing
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.
The Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus, invites applications for a Research Assistant/Technician.
Job Summary
The Research Assistant/Technician 4 is responsible for providing specialized technical expertise and support for research, teaching, fee-for-service operations, and general laboratory operations in the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering’s laboratories. This includes the Coal and Mineral Processing (CMP) laboratory—covering Rock Mechanics, Ventilation, and Microwave Testing—and the Surface Chemistry laboratories in the Frank Forward Building. The role involves independently designing and supporting research procedures, maintaining and developing lab equipment and facilities, and ensuring safety compliance.
This position works closely with faculty, staff, students, and external users to provide expert guidance and technical instruction in mining/rock mechanics, mineral processing, surface chemistry, and related techniques. A majority of the time is devoted to providing specialized research support, including conducting laboratory tests, operating and modifying bespoke equipment, interpreting results, assisting with managing equipment for external service work, and collaborating with researchers and students.
This is a CUPE 116 position at the Research Assistant/Technician 4 level. The pay grade is B (7), with an hourly wage of $33.47 – $36.37, in accordance with the Collective Agreement. The normal hours of work are 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday).
Organizational Status
Reports to the Facilities Manager and indirectly to the Department Head and Department Manager. Works independently while collaborating closely with other lab technicians, faculty members, and graduate students. Provides technical advice and guidance but does not supervise staff.
Work Performed
- Oversees the day-to-day operation of the CMP, surface chemistry, rock mechanics, ventilation, and microwave testing laboratories, ensuring they meet University and WorkSafeBC safety standards.
- Maintains records of monthly laboratory safety reports and delivers structured safety orientation sessions for all new lab users, including faculty, staff, students, and external researchers.
- Applies and adapts established laboratory techniques in mining, rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, and mineral processing—including spectrophotometry, rheometry, mineral liberation analysis, and density separation—for use in novel experimental setups and research applications.
- Provides consultation to researchers and students on the design of experiments and the selection and adaptation of techniques and instrumentation.
- Performs advanced analysis of mineral and coal samples using both commercial and custom-built laboratory equipment—including spectrophotometers, rheometers, and mineral liberation tools.
- Operates and trains users on specialized instrumentation across multiple labs, including but not limited to:
-
- Surface Chemistry (FF) Lab: TGA, XRD, FTIR, BET analyzer, Elzone Particle Size Analyzer, PMX 100 Zeta Meter, Total Organic Carbon Analyzer, Turbiscan Dispersion Analyzer, AA Spectrophotometer, Lauda Capillary Viscometer, UV/VIS Spectrophotometer, Hach Turbidimeters, FTA Goniometer, Kruss Tensiometer.
- CMP Lab: Bench-scale mineral processing (crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, gravity concentration, flotation, leaching, coal preparation); Pilot-scale equipment including tCO2, Stirred Mills, HPGR, Comex XRT facility, screens, and crushers.
- Rock Mechanics Lab: Controls Press, MTS Press, Direct Shear Apparatus, and rock cutting/grinding/drilling equipment.
- Ventilation Lab: Mine ventilation loop, ducting, anemometers, pitot tubes, thermometers, pressure transducers, and Exhaust Heat Recovery System.
- Microwave Testing Facility: Microwave generator, ultrasonic welder, and chiller.
- Designs, modifies, and performs complex experiments and experimental systems in collaboration with faculty and researchers.
- Operates, troubleshoots, and maintains laboratory equipment and experimental systems to support research activities; may assist faculty with minor modifications or setup adjustments as needed.
- Manages preparation for undergraduate teaching labs, including facility setup, sample organization, and ensuring equipment readiness before classes and demonstrations.
- Works collaboratively with researchers, students, and external partners on technical components of research projects.
- Supports research projects by contributing technical expertise and experimental data, often assisting in the preparation of scientific publications and reports by drafting methods sections, preparing figures, and verifying data accuracy.
- Manages records and manuals for laboratory equipment, schedules annual maintenance visits, coordinates service contractors, and processes related invoices and payments.
- Coordinates chemical inventories, TDG-compliant shipping and receiving, and chemical waste disposal in accordance with regulations.
- Acts as the department’s safety contact for the laboratories, coordinating SDS systems, first aid and spill kits, and performing routine safety inspections and training.
- Participates in lab space planning and assists in the implementation of renovations and installations related to laboratory operations.
- Provides technical support for departmental AV equipment used in classroom and seminar settings.
- Maintains awareness of emerging technologies and techniques in the field and integrates applicable advances into lab operations.
- Carries out the technical and operational aspects of fee-for-service testing, including:
-
- Scheduling external users, tracking services performed, and ensuring compliance with required testing standards.
- Being present during external equipment use to oversee correct operation and safety compliance.
- Analyzing data and drafting technical reports for clients.
- Coordinating instrument calibration and maintaining related documentation.
- Providing support for invoicing and monitoring payments for external services.
- Examples of fee-for-service activities include CMP pilot-scale testing ($20K–$80K/year) and FF laboratory testing ($15K–$20K/year).
- Orders supplies and consumables, organizes storage of equipment and rock samples, and ensures proper inventory tracking.
- May provide input into equipment purchases and contribute to internal proposals related to lab development.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work is performed independently and requires independent technical judgment in assessing priorities, research integration, equipment use, and safety risks. Errors in procedures, data interpretation, or equipment maintenance could result in injury, research delays, loss of external client revenue, or financial costs to the department.
Supervision Received
Works independently under direction. Receives guidance on complex or novel tasks but is expected to manage day-to-day operations without direct supervision.
Supervision Given
Provides instruction and technical guidance to faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students using lab equipment or conducting experiments. May demonstrate techniques or oversee small-scale student projects related to area of expertise. Does not supervise staff.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong background in mineral processing, surface chemistry, or a related technical field.
- Ability to perform, modify or develop experimental protocols.
- Familiarity with analyzing and interpreting research data.
- Experience on academic writing, figures, or methods sections of papers and grant applications.
- Demonstrated experience with advanced laboratory instrumentation and techniques.
- Proven ability to independently conduct complex technical procedures and support research projects.
- Experience managing fee-for-service operations, including client reporting and invoicing.
- Strong record-keeping and organizational skills, including equipment manuals, maintenance logs, and chemical inventories.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly and provide effective training.
- Commitment to safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lab environments.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-user lab setting while managing concurrent tasks.
- Ability to lift up to 20 kg and safely handle hazardous chemicals and equipment.