CUPE 116 Research Assistant Tech 4

Staff - Union

Job Category
CUPE 116

Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4

Job Title
CUPE 116 Research Assistant Tech 4

Department
Frostad,John | Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering joint L&F | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range
$5,281.00 - $5,738.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
January 25, 2024

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

Job End Date

Mar 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

The department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at UBC – Vancouver is seeking a Laboratory Technician with expertise in the operation of a Cantilevered-Capillary Force Apparatus (CCFA).

This appointment is part time 63% FTE. Initiate appointment is 3 months with possibilities of extension according to funding availability.
Organizational Status
The candidate will work under the supervision of Professor John Frostad, the principal investigator within the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Work Performed

• Modify the vibration isolation table for the existing CCFA apparatus.

• Design and fabricate a temperature and humidity-controlled chamber for use in a Langmuir trough enclosure

• Design and execute experiments for testing the stability of Pickering emulsions made from cellulose nanocrystals

• Develop theory and code for analyzing CCFA data.

• Maintain lab equipment in clean and working order and keep lab spaces organized.

• Daily lab routine may involve physical requirements of lifting, moving, and stacking laboratory equipment.

• Take the lead in defining the project direction and executing on the predefined project objectives.

• Maintain clear and concise records of all work in a lab notebook and digital files following established standards.

• Attend regular meetings with the PI, take part in the group lab meetings, and act on direction and feedback from the PI.

• Draft manuscripts for publication and prepare PowerPoint presentations for group meetings and conferences.

• Ensure ethical standards of research are followed and ensure economical expenditure of research supplies and funds.

• Perform other lab related duties as needed, including mentoring younger researchers, training students on experimental setups, etc.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the unit.
Supervision Received
Works under minimum supervision. The candidate will have regular meetings with the Primary Investigator.
Supervision Given
The candidate may provide supervision or training to graduate students and undergraduate academic assistants.
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

• Expertise in operation of a Cantilevered-Capillary Force Apparatus

• Familiarity with an interfacial dilational rheometer

• Experience making emulsions from cellulose nanocrystals

• Solid working knowledge of Python coding

• Experience with theory of capillary bridges

• Ability to work independently, self-directed, yet also be able to work collaboratively with the team, to meet team goals

• The candidate works well with others and has strong communication skills, including strong writing, research, and interpersonal skills.