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Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Research Assistant /Technician 2 Department Research | Crowe Laboratory | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date September 24, 2025 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date October 26, 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 is fully grant funded and supports Geomicrobiological research at UBC. With direction from the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will assist in geochemical and microbiological analyses and experiments, participate in field expeditions, conduct inventory management, maintain laboratory infrastructure, and look after record keeping. They will perform analyses following established protocols related primarily to environmental microbiology and biogeochemistry. These require technical skills in classical and molecular microbiology, analytical chemistry, and field sampling, along with scientific knowledge in microbiology, biogeochemistry, and environmental science. Will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Crowe Lab spaces, including maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment. Will be responsible for the orderliness and cleanliness of the lab spaces and the preparation and upkeep of general-use laboratory reagents and equipment. Will help to keep protocol documentation up to date and complete and will maintain Crowe Lab accounts. Organizational Status The individual will report directly to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Crowe) weekly. Will initially work under close supervision but is expected to work with minimal supervision once proficiency in the duties assigned has been established. Work Performed Updating and maintaining a comprehensive suite of microbiological and geochemical techniques in the Crowe Lab, applying and performing these techniques as needed, and training lab members in these techniques. All techniques to be performed by defined protocols and will directly relate to ongoing research in the lab. Field Work: Assist with field-work as needed. Lab supplies: Assist in ordering; keeping track of supply inventory; unpacking lab supplies and putting them in proper places. Record keeping: Using computer to help maintain technical and financial records. Lab maintenance and organization: Responsible for the general up-keep of the lab facilities. Reporting: Responsible for providing to the Principal Investigator a monthly report that underlines the experiments performed, the results obtained and their analysis. Performs other related duties as assigned. Consequence of Error/Judgement Work will be checked by the Principal Investigator and discussed in weekly meetings, and as needed. Errors or inappropriate decisions will primarily impact research progress (milestones), and measures such as frequent meetings with the faculty member to avoid such occurrences will be taken. If an error occurred, valuable reagents, research time, and money could be lost. Supervision Received Initially, all experiments and organizational tasks will be performed under the direct supervision of the PI, or other trained personnel. Written and/or verbal protocols for all procedures will be provided. Once familiar with the techniques and procedures, immediate supervision will decline, unless requested or required. Supervision Given None expected. We are looking for an independent and self-motivated individual with a thorough knowledge of best laboratory practices. Moreover, as the successful applicant becomes familiar with new protocols and procedures, they will be asked to transfer this knowledge to incoming team members and to assist in their instruction. 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 M. Sc. in Microbiology, Earth Science, or similar discipline preferred. Minimum two years of experience operating in a research laboratory required. Should be comfortable with spreadsheets, word processing, grant and report writing and manifest a demonstrated ability to organize and complete assignments without ongoing direction. Good interpersonal and practical laboratory skills and ability to calculate molarities for chemical solutions required. Expertise required in microbiology culture and practices, including in the use of bacteria. Field experience is mandatory. Additionally, demonstrated experience and experience in molecular microbiology is preferred. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to attend departmental seminars and will fully participate in project team meetings including associated journal discussion group. This includes presentation and discussion of experimental results generated by the applicant and published work described in the scientific literature. Must be able to follow and carry out instructions from Principal Investigator. Must be able to carry out responsibilities independently. Interest and enthusiasm for scientific research. 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.