Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title Field and Lab Coordinator
Department Research Support | Sargent Research Group | Applied Biology Program | Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Compensation Range $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date November 14, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date December 31, 2026
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
This position will coordinate and conduct laboratory and field work, including at the UBC Farm and within field sites in the lower Fraser Valley.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Risa Sargent). Will work in a UBC research team consisting of professors, technical staff, graduate and undergraduate students. Works across the NSERC Alliance PERCS research group to co-ordinate with other research units and partners.
Work Performed

• Conducts field research on perennial plantings throughout BC.
• Co-ordinates the design of experiments and/or development of new techniques for laboratories or facilities
• Identifies field-collected insects.
• Performs analysis and interpretation of experiment results or research data, writes reports, presents research results at laboratory meetings and assists with the writing of grant applications
• Assists with reporting, co-ordination of meetings and communication across PERCS research subunits
• Conducts lab, greenhouse, and field experiments designed by the PI, supports graduate student projects and experiments, and coordinates vehicle travel to and from field sites for research team, when necessary.
• Utilizes standard techniques and protocols and performs various technical tasks.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots problems with standard equipment.
• Coordinates, monitors and ensures the implementation and enforcement of laboratory safety rules and procedures.
• May assist in running a laboratory, performing tasks, such as, purchasing supplies and equipment and maintaining parts of accounts
• Organizes laboratory and stock, maintains inventory and distributes supplies.
• May distribute work assignments to employees at lower classification levels and initiate new employees into routines, procedures and operation of equipment.
• Performs other duties when necessary.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
S/he must decide on how best to use time efficiently and multi-task with high level of self-motivation and organization. New and unusual problems must be brought to the PI's attention. All work will be checked by the PI or other researchers in the lab or outside experts as designated by the PI, when necessary. Inappropriate judgment will cause missing data or biased results, missed deadlines, which will delay timelines in the Professor's research project.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Principal Investigator.
Supervision Given
Will supervise undergraduate work-learn students and research assistants and provide support to graduate students.
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.
- 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

• Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Must be able to adapt and be flexible.
• Must have accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Must be physically fit with excellent stamina, able to perform work for extended periods of time in any weather conditions.
• Computer experience at an intermediate level is required (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Sharepoint, etc.)
• Must have a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License or equivalent
• Must have insect identification skills

Skills Required