Research Assistant/Technician 3

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Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant/Technician 3 Department Engineering Technicians | Department of Mining Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $4,900.00 - $5,343.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date June 27, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date July 31, 2027 Job Description 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. The Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus, invites applications for a One Year Term Research Assistant/Technician. Job Summary The Research Assistant/Technician 3 provides specialized technical expertise to support a time-limited equipment modernization and lifecycle management initiative within the Department of Mining Engineering. The position focuses on assessing existing laboratory equipment, supporting equipment upgrades and replacements, coordinating vendors and installations, and developing maintenance and lifecycle plans to support research and teaching activities. The position also provides partial technical support to departmental laboratories to maintain continuity of operations while senior technical staff are assigned to project-based work. This role operates with a high degree of independence and works closely with faculty, technicians, researchers, vendors, and departmental administrators. This is a one-year, term-limited position funded through retained endowment funds and does not represent an ongoing staffing increase. This is a CUPE 116 position at the Research Assistant/Technician 3 level. The normal hours of work are 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). This is a term position for 1 year only. Organizational Status Reports to the Facilities Manager, with functional direction from the Department Head and Department Manager. Works independently while collaborating closely with research technicians, faculty members, graduate students, and external vendors. Provides technical advice and guidance but does not supervise staff . Work Performed Project Work: Equipment Modernization & Lifecycle Management Equipment Inventory & Lifecycle Assessment Conducts a comprehensive inventory of existing laboratory equipment across the Department of Mining Engineering's research and teaching laboratories. Assesses equipment condition, operational status, utilization, remaining service life, and maintenance history. Identifies equipment that is obsolete, at or near end-of-life, or no longer appropriate for current or anticipated research and teaching needs. Develops and maintains centralized equipment records, including specifications, manuals, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle risks. Equipment Upgrade, Replacement & Commissioning Support Works with faculty, researchers, and technical staff to identify priorities for equipment upgrades, replacements, refurbishment, or retirement. Researches available technologies and equipment options, including emerging tools and methods relevant to mining engineering, mineral processing, surface chemistry, and related research areas. Engages with suppliers and vendors to obtain technical specifications, quotations, and delivery timelines. Supports negotiation related to pricing, warranties, service agreements, training provisions, and long-term support. Coordinates delivery, installation, commissioning, and vendor-led training for new or upgraded equipment. Assists with space planning, infrastructure readiness, and utility requirements associated with new equipment installations. Maintenance & Sustainability Planning Develops and documents maintenance, calibration, and service plans for new and existing laboratory equipment. Ensures appropriate warranties, service contracts, and preventative maintenance schedules are established and tracked. Develops standardized templates and documentation to support ongoing equipment lifecycle tracking beyond the term of the project. Works with technical staff to transition from reactive repairs to proactive, planned maintenance practices. Contributes to the development of long-term equipment sustainability strategies to support shared, multi-user laboratory environments. Documentation, Reporting & Project Coordination Prepares summaries, inventories, and progress reports related to equipment modernization activities. Maintains accurate records related to quotations, warranties, service contracts, and installations. Tracks project milestones and supports reporting to departmental leadership. Performs other related duties consistent with th