Biology Teaching Lab Technician Full-time

Biology Teaching Lab Technician

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:

To prepare, set-up, take-down, and maintain laboratories and laboratory materials associated with a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses offered by the Department of Biology. To provide skilled, experienced technical services and assistance in the daily functioning of the teaching laboratories.

Organizational Status:

The position reports to the Laboratory Program Manager, Department of Biology. The technician interacts with the Lab Program Manager, other technical support staff in the Department of Biology, Faculty Lab Coordinators, Graduate and Undergraduate Teaching Assistants, and both undergraduate and graduate students.

Work Performed:

• Provides assistance in Department of Biology graduate and undergraduate teaching labs:
• Prepares solutions, sterile microbiological growth media, and demonstration materials required for delivery of laboratories associated with Department of Biology courses.
• Maintains microbial cultures (Risk Groups 1 and 2).
• Sets up materials to be used in laboratories and subsequent clean-up and removal when laboratory exercises are finished.
• Monitors and handles supplies and wastes associated with teaching labs, including proper disposal of laboratory-associated wastes.
• Moves, cleans and maintains a variety of teaching laboratory equipment and storage areas.
• Purchases, receives and distributes both living and non-living supplies for the teaching lab program as required. This includes but is not limited to equipment, chemical supplies, preserved materials and living specimens.
• Implements supply ordering, processes include ordering catalogue items, processing purchase orders for non-catalogue items, and clearing receipts. Track and reconcile expenditures for all orders (approximately $75,000 annually).
• Prepares an inventory of supplies and a repair schedule for microscopes and other equipment on an annual basis.
• Mounts and catalogues plants for the herbarium.
• Completes mandatory Health and Safety (HSE) safety requirements that include but are not limited to:
• Completes weekly, monthly and annual inspections of Department of Biology teaching laboratory spaces.
• Updates Safety Data Sheet (SDS) records for inventoried chemical supplies.
• Maintains Department of Biology autoclaves (which includes maintaining and storing records of use and performing monthly biological testing).
• Assists with the development and testing of lab protocols
• Assists with the development and testing of student laboratory experiments and activities where applicable.

Consequence of Error/Impact of Decisions:

Student and laboratory safety is paramount. Failure to follow safety guidelines could result in personal injury or loss of equipment. Improper time management could lead to delays in laboratories and adversely affect the delivery and/or outcomes of the laboratories. Poorly maintained equipment could cause injury to students or be detrimental to the outcome of experiments causing loss of time and valuable research information. Position is subject to working under pressure and to meeting deadlines with a maximum number of interruptions. Frequently, quick decisions must be made. Lack of judgement or errors will negatively affect teaching effectiveness and may have budgetary consequences.

Supervision Received:

This position reports to the Laboratory Program Manager, but receives minimal supervision. Employee will be expected to execute their assigned tasks independently. This position may receive direction from other laboratory staff and faculty that they are assisting. The Department of Biology Head or Lab Program Manager may direct the employee to purchase certain items or to report problems.

Supervision Given:

No teaching or formal supervisory duties are associated with this position; however, there is considerable interaction with students.

This position routinely requires training, demonstrating, and assisting a variety of students in the operation of equipment used in microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. This may include graduate students, Graduate and Undergraduate Teaching Assistants, undergraduate honour's project students, undergraduate work-study students and undergraduate students.

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.
• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, or a related field (such as microbiology or biochemistry) and three years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Work experience and demonstrated competence in preparing solutions, handling microorganisms, performing laboratory techniques in microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology, as well as demonstrated computer skills, use of Microsoft 365, and experience with a variety of laboratory equipment. The equipment used in microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology requires that the person in this position has specialized knowledge and experience in these areas.
• Knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Biological Safety principles. UBCO Chemical Safety (including WHMIS) and Biosafety certification are required, however certification training will be provided to the successful candidate.
• A reasonable level of physical fitness is needed. This position involved the frequent physical set-up and removal of all supplies and equipment needed for the teaching labs on a daily basis, as well as the distribution and storage of inventory. While tasks vary from day to day, half of the day is generally spent standing and walking, and the other half of the day is sitting at a work bench performing repetitive tasks that require precision and attention to detail. The person in this position will handle hazardous chemicals and pathogens frequently, and familiarity with safe practices and handling procedures would be an asset.
• Effective communication, organizational and time-management skills are essential. The ability to work well both independently and within a team environment are critical. This position entails a modification of the standard work week at times, as well as flexibility in a regular work-day in order to accommodate the scheduled times of labs.
• Demonstrated experience preparing solutions and performing laboratory work, with strong computer proficiency and hands-on experience using a range of laboratory equipment.
• Specialized knowledge and practical experience in microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology, including the safe operation of related equipment.
• Knowledge of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Familiarity with the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and biological materials, including pathogens.
• Sufficient physical capacity to support daily laboratory operations, including frequent setup and teardown of teaching labs, movement and storage of supplies, and inventory distribution. The role involves a combination of standing and walking for extended periods, as well as seated bench work requiring repetitive, precise tasks and sustained attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Flexibility to accommodate variations in the work schedule, including modified work weeks and adjustments to daily hours based on lab scheduling requirements.