Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

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 Description Summary

Primary responsibilities will be:

a)Repair and maintain a wide range of Laboratory instrumentation used in the research and teaching laboratories associated with the LSC. The job function requires comprehensive technical knowledge and experience, resulting in a high level of diagnostic and repair skills.

b)Design and fabricate/modify specialized electronic and mechanical systems that are required by research and teaching personnel in their laboratories. The job function requires skills and capabilities in the design and development of custom equipment and providing consultative services with respect to feasibility and/or alternatives.

In both functions the incumbent is responsible for a broad range of engineering technical support for research and teaching laboratories. Based on consultations with faculty and staff, other research personnel, company representatives and the LSI Manager, Operations and Administration, the incumbent is expected to design/modify/repair/maintain laboratory apparatus resulting in the satisfactory development and/or operation of the required end product.

Organizational Status

The duties are generally performed autonomously. This position interfaces extensively with faculty, research personnel, staff and students and the incumbent is expected to determine optimal laboratory requirements. The incumbent is required to prioritize the workload and evaluate the most appropriate means of proceeding on a project.

Position reports to the LSI Manager, Operations and Administration for administrative matters and operational matters.

Work Performed

Works in close co-operation with faculty, staff, research engineers, graduate and undergraduate students to build research and teaching equipment from technical and non-technical drawings or detailed sketches.

-Designs and fabricates complex and highly precise devices and instruments; modifies and adapts equipment to meet specialized requirements.

-Advises and makes recommendations regarding the design, development and modification of research equipment.

-Reviews technical, non-technical drawings or detailed sketches, determines requirements and recommends practical solutions.

-Diagnoses faults and analyses design problems. Recommends alternative or new methods and techniques to effect solutions.

-Operates a variety of work shop equipment such as electronic test and prototyping instrumentation, metal working and woodworking equipment used to maintain and fabricate equipment and devices.

-Instructs faculty, staff and students in the proper equipment use, operation and safety procedures, including specialized equipment techniques.

-Assists in the maintenance of a safe and organized working environment through constant awareness of safety issues.

-Performs other related duties within the classification level.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work is frequently not checked other than by the client researcher. Errors may result in lost research time and subsequent delay in publication of results, including the publication of student thesis.

Substandard repairs, design or construction flaws could seriously impact the ability of faculty to meet obligations set out by contracting agencies such as NSERC, CFI, CIHR etc.

Poor decisions with respect to effective setting of priorities to meet deadlines could jeopardize the timely completion of research projects, thesis, presentations and the cancellation of field work.

Supervision Received

Works independently in cooperation with faculty, research or other staff, graduate or undergraduate students.

Supervision Given

May be required as necessary to supervise other technicians, research staff or students, checking their work for accuracy and completeness. Co-ordinates the work of others assigned to the projects. Gives technical advice and assistance to junior personnel and users of equipment and facilities

Minimum Qualifications

- 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

Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship. Minimum 5 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.in a scientific/research facility or university setting following graduation from a technical program offered by a technical college or institute. Ability to work autonomously and to carry out design and fabrication of specialized research equipment based on face to face consultation with researchers. Ability to apply technical knowledge to resolve complex operational and design problems under broad direction. Thorough knowledge of practices, methods, materials of the required trades. Must have excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a multi-discipline environment. Experience in establishing priorities and the ability to work under pressure must be demonstrated.