Job Description

Staff - Union
Job Category CUPE 116
Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 4
Job Title Research Assistant/Technician 4
Department Yang | Department of Civil Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science
Compensation Range $33.47 - $36.37 CAD Hourly
Posting End Date October 27, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date August 31, 2026
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 is a part-time hourly position, potentially working around 5 to 20 hours per week.
The UBC Smart Structures Laboratory, housed within the Department of Civil Engineering, is seeking a Research Assistant/Technician 4 to support ongoing experimental and analytical research on structural systems.
Key responsibilities include involvement in the design of experimental setups for structural systems, preparation of specimens for tests, execution of experimental tests, assist in numerical modeling, and development of design equations and guidelines, prepare research reports and journal papers.
Organizational Status
UBC Smart Structures
Work Performed
Design, modify, and perform complex structural experiments and/or use technically advanced procedures and conduct complex analysis and interpretation
Troubleshoot complex equipment, system and test problems
Operates and maintained highly specialized control equipment requiring extensive training
Develop operating procedure and make recommendations on workflow improvements
Oversee the progress of projects and participate in complex research activities
Provide instruction and training in the use of specialized techniques and equipment.
Research and determines the applicability of new technology and systems related to work
Write reports and assist in writing grant applications and journal papers
Develop instrumentation scheme for tests, install instrumentation
Collect and analyze experimental data
Working collaboratively with the graduate student, contribute to the develop of numerical models and verify models using experimental data
Participate in developing design equations and procedures for structural systems with the graduate student
Consequence of Error/Judgement
No applicable
Supervision Received
Prof. Tony T.Y. Yang ( ) will provide high-level supervision to the candidate to ensure the quality and correctness of the work. The candidates will frequently interact with the Prof. Tony T.Y. Yang through email or weekly meetings to report the progress of the project.
Supervision Given
Supervisory responsibility for a small group of researchers.
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
Completion of a Ph.D. degree in engineering fields is preferred
Experienced in hands-on work in laboratory work
Experienced in installing and setting up instrumentation on test specimens
Experienced in conducting structural or mechanical experimental tests
Skilled in analyzing, post processing and interpreting test results
Experienced in numerical modeling and simulation techniques
Has published papers in peer-reviewed journals
Experienced in programming
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.

Skills Required