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

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This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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 School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine, established in 2017. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation.  Its vision is to transform health and healthcare for all, achieved through innovative research and education at the convergence of engineering, medicine and biology. Through collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches and building on UBC’s academic and research excellence, the School of Biomedical Engineering aspires to be a global leader in biomedical engineering research, education and translation. The SBME has two locations on Vancouver’s campus, the Gordon B Shrum building and the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). For more information about the School of Biomedical Engineering, please visit https://www.bme.ubc.ca/.

The School of Biomedical Engineering is seeking a BRC Building Technician will provide technical support for the BRC location on a 1 year term. The BRC Building Technician is responsible for maintaining supplies, consumables and reagents for BRC labs; preparing core research supplies and consumables; assisting with office and lab setup, moves and clean-ups; overseeing shipment receiving and internal deliveries; daily removal and processing of laboratory waste; maintenance of common building spaces; general maintenance work that are of limited complexity in nature.

Organizational Status
The BRC Building Technician reports to the Building Manager, and works collaboratively with other building technicians, faculty, students and staff.

Work Performed
Maintains a stockpile of general research supplies (ordering, reconciling expenses, packing, sterilizing, stocking).

• Maintains compressed cylinder gases and dry ice inventories (ordering, reconciling expenses, stocking, changing lab cylinders).

• Maintains cryopreservation tanks (ordering liquid nitrogen, reconciling expenses, inspecting and filling cryopreservation tanks and dispensing tanks.

• Prepares common reagents and buffers for research use.

• Assists in maintaining common lab spaces (managing waste, general cleaning).

• Maintains common chemicals and storage rooms.

• Processes hazardous (chemical and biological) laboratory waste in accordance with UBC policies.

• Processes recycling (styrofoam, soft plastics, metal, glass, electronics).

• Operates central autoclave.

• Operates central labware.

• Monitors and maintains building’s shared pH meter stations (train new users, perform weekly calibrations and inspections, stock supplies).

• May assist with purchasing supplies and minor equipment.

• Identifies research tools that need maintenance, and informing the building manager to coordinate repair work.

• Coordinates, monitors, and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures.

• Performs monthly inspections and flush emergency showers and eye wash stations.

• Assists in receiving of laboratory supplies and the distribution of the shipments to the labs

• Assists with lab cleanups and setups.

• Carries out other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The work described follows protocols and techniques that have been designed by senior team members. The position requires strong organizational, multi-tasking and communication skills. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential. Failure to keep the supplies well stocked could potentially result in delaying research. Failure to keep the building in a clean and safe condition will result in safety and risk management issues that could potentially damage the School’s reputation. Errors could compromise the scientific integrity of a project.

Supervision Received
Works under supervision of the Building Manager and indirectly reports to the Director, Strategic Planning and Operations on any major issues. Receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.

Supervision Given
May supervise Work Learn Students.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- 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

• Some knowledge of life sciences research is preferred.

• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to effectively use computer software’s at a basic level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel).

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job including ability to lift heavy equipment and furniture. (e.g., lifting, standing, working at heights,)

• Ability to prepare equipment and supply for lab use, including washing glassware, preparing supplies for autoclaving, preparing solutions, aliquoting supplies, packing tips, etc.