Research Assistant

Staff - UnionJob CategoryCUPE 116Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4Job TitleResearch Assistant /Technician 4DepartmentResearch | Hein Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of ScienceCompensation Range$5, $5,910.00 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateDecember 11, 2025

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

Job End Date

December 10, 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 supports the technical maintenance, operation, and instrumentation support of automated platforms at Dr. Jason Hein's research laboratory. The Hein Lab builds automated, "self-driving" systems using tools from both classical and modern physical organic chemistry to understand and optimize chemical reactions. Duties will include equipment maintenance, inventory management, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and liaising with facilities in the Chemistry Department, UBC.

Organizational Status

The incumbent reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Jason Hein), Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The cross-functional nature of the research carried out in the Hein group necessitates working in close cooperation, collaboration alongside researchers and other staff for effective teamwork within the lab.

Work Performed

•    Instrumentation support including but not limited to equipment operations, repairs and maintenance of in-house developed automated platforms, including advanced robotics, specialized chemical instruments, and software with the use of Python

•    Overseeing and participating in research projects and platform development, including assembling and troubleshooting automated platforms, executing experimental campaigns and workflows, collecting experimental data, and conducting process optimization

•    Troubleshooting instrument software interfaces and power cycling when necessary

•    Replacing damaged components

•    Checking solvents, identifying and resolving air bubbles in tubing, leaks, or incorrect fittings

•    Operational checks on all equipment to ensure functionality

•    Tracking and maintaining inventory of consumables and frequency of chemicals used

•    Developing standard operating procedures for automated platforms

•    Providing training in specialized lab infrastructure

•    Scheduling equipment user access and usage

•    Ensuring all WHMIS/EHS regulations are met, safety training, and working with Chemistry's Safety Office and/or UBC's Safety & Risk Services (SRS) as needed

•    Maintaining effective working relationship with Chemistry core facilities for support requirements to support research projects e.g., mechanical and electronic services, IT and stores.

•    Carrying out routine data backup and general computer maintenance

•    Carrying out related duties as necessary, which may include ordering and distribution of consumables, sourcing new supplies, researching best supplies, scheduling and monitoring waste removal, etc.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failure to maintain a high standard of work with consistent communication between team members and the Principal Investigator may result in delays and quality of research output, which may impact the working conditions, reputation, and funding for the research group and UBC. Failure to follow all applicable safety precautions, including carrying out a thorough risk assessment before undertaking an experiment, may result in serious injury to the incumbent and others in the surrounding area.

Supervision Received
The incumbent works under general supervision of the Principal Investigator or other group staff members. Initiates and follows up from brief instruction while independently exercising sound judgment within areas of responsibility. Receives instruction on the assignment of new duties as required.

Supervision Given
This position may oversee junior personnel, graduate and undergraduate students.

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

•    Some relevant mechanical and/or electrical engineering experience would be beneficial.

•    Experience with robotics and lab automation would be a definite asset.

•    Synthetic organic benchwork, familiarity with analytical instrumentation software packages (ChemStation, Mnova, Trilution).

•    Python coding experience.

•    Ability to use UBC library information systems and other online resources for research purposes.

•    Ability to use hand and power tools.

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