Research Assistant/technician 3 - Vancouver, Canada - University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia

Verified Company

Vancouver, Canada

4 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 3

Department

Research | Hein Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$4, $5,036.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

July 5, 2023

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

Job End Date

Jul 31, 2024

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 and operational management of 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 UBC Chemistry Department.

Organizational Status

The incumbent reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Jason Hein), Associate 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 collaboration alongside researchers and other staff for effective teamwork within the lab.

Work Performed

Tracking and maintaining inventory of consumables and frequently of chemicals used
Ordering and distribution of consumables
Sourcing new suppliers to account for supply chain issues and to search out better pricing as well as higher quality products
Researching best suppliers for consumables and new instrumentation
Providing training in and maintaining standard lab infrastructure (solvent purification systems, gloveboxes, fume hoods, inert gases, etc.)
Equipment repairs and maintenance, particularly for HPLC-MS systems and analytical chemistry instruments (IR, benchtop NMR, etc.)
Checking solvents, identifying and resolving air bubbles in tubing, leaks, or incorrect fittings
Troubleshooting instrument software interfaces and power cycling when necessary
Replacing damaged components
Operational checks on all equipment to ensure functionality
Scheduling equipment user access and usage
Ensuring all WHMIS and Chemistry's safety training are satisfied.
Scheduling and monitoring waste removal
Working 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, in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of the job.

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 regarding the safe operation of research instruments may result in injury to the incumbent or end user of the instruments.

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

None, this position will not be supervising others.

Minimum Qualifications

An undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or related field and a minimum of two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience operating and maintaining chemistry lab infrastructure, including
Solvent purification systems, gloveboxes, fume hoods, HPLC-MS, FTIR, NMR, etc.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively to milestones and to manage deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to maintain professional working relationships within a diverse research group.
Experience in inventory management.

Preferred Qualifications

Some relevant mechanical and/or electrical engineering experience would be beneficial.
Experience with robotics and lab automation would be a definite asset.
Experience with synthetic organic benchwork, familiarity with analytical instrumentation software packages (ChemStation, Mnova, Trilution) would be useful.
Python coding experience or familiarity with Python.
Ability