Research Assistant – Martinez Lab

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Research Assistant – Martinez Lab

Department

Martinez, Mark | Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range

$3,982.67 - $4,703.83 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

July 26, 2023

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

Job End Date

Sept 30, 2024

Job Summary

This is a part time 25% FTE position; compensation will be prorated.

The department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at UBC – Vancouver is seeking a Laboratory Technician with expertise in 3D printing of hydrogel and pulp fibre composite films, material characterization, and material property development. The appointment is for 3 months with possibilities of extension according to funding availability.

Organizational Status

The candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Mark Martinez, the principal investigator on the research project based in the UBC Pulp and Paper Centre, and the Program Manager, Daniela Figueroa Vargas.

The Pulp and Paper Centre is an interdisciplinary, cross-faculty research center with specialized laboratories and offices for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research engineers, and faculty who conduct research for the benefit of the current and future pulp and paper industry. The center serves to bring together faculty and student researchers to work collaboratively with the manufacturing industry, utilities, supplier industry, consultants, and government agencies.

Work Performed

• Assist with experimental trials on specialized pulp and paper equipment and material testing of paper samples
• Troubleshoot and ability to do small repairs in laboratory equipment and provide input into the design of laboratory equipment.
• Writes reports, presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the writing of grant applications.
• Plans and performs complex experiments on material development for agricultural mulch or disposable packaging materials using batch-wise casting or continuous 3D printing; troubleshoots problems; collects, records, analyses and interprets experiment results.
• Measure pressure and control flow rates.
• Familiar with lab-scale fluid mechanics experiments and ability to operate small fluid loops.
• Oversee and direct the work of one or two undergraduate students. Provides training to undergraduate students in the use of equipment, techniques and procedures.
• Maintain lab equipment in clean and working order, and keep lab spaces organized.
• Assists supervisor with the design of material-development experiments and/or development of new techniques for casting the materials. Performs complex tasks such as tensile and burst testing, water vapor or oxygen permeation rates, and rheological testing

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The candidate will conduct work independently, following standards testing procedures. Exercises judgment in quality of results, for example deciding to repeat sample testing that falls outside acceptable limits of error. Work will be subject to review by supervisor.

Supervision Received

The candidate will have supervision by Primary Investigator.

Supervision Given

The candidate may provide supervision or training to graduate students and undergraduate academic assistants.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• The candidate works well with others and has strong communication skills, including strong writing, research, and interpersonal skills.
• PhD in Chemical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• Display strong ability to work independently, self-directed, yet also be able to work collaboratively with the team, to meet team goals

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.