Research Assistant/technician 4

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.

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.-
- 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 preparatio