Research Assistant/ Technician

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Research Assistant/ Technician

Department

Research | Gaynor | Department of Zoology | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$4,696.00 - $5,140.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

August 17, 2026

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

Job End Date

April 30, 2027

 

 

 

 

This is a part-time 8-month position at 0.5 FTE. The salary will be 50% of the posted range.

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 supports scientific research in conjunction with personnel in the Gaynor Lab studying the behavioural and community ecology of terrestrial large mammals, and the impacts of human disturbance on animal behaviour and species interactions. The position involves performing complex technical tasks requiring knowledge of procedures gained through experience in the areas of ecology, data science, animal behavior, and experimental design.

Organizational Status
Reports directly to Principal Investigator Kaitlyn Gaynor and interacts with other lab personnel in completion of research and general lab tasks. Reports to the Administrator of Zoology for administrative matters.

Work Performed
- Oversees physical and digital lab organization for the lab.

- Assists with managing research databases, conducts data quality control, leads processing of raw data (i.e., camera trap images).

- Conducts literature reviews to support lab research projects.

- Orders lab equipment and supplies, maintains inventories.

- Administrative tasks including developing and updating Biosafety and Animal Use protocols and preparing and submitting expense reports.

- Maintains and updates the lab’s website, manual, and social media.

- Assists with hiring and supervision of junior research positions in the labs (i.e., Work-Learn).

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Because the Principal Investigator outlines the goals of the various projects, but does not issue detailed instructions, the position has considerable latitude for apportioning time, choosing methods, and prioritizing work. In this circumstance, errors in choice, prioritization, or execution of experiments can have larger consequences on the research program, if problems are not detected and acted upon immediately, before the regular weekly meeting. As a consequence, mistakes can result in considerable loss of time or productivity.

Supervision Received
The employee will be under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, who outlines the goals of the research and the general approaches to take. However, the employee will learn the appropriate techniques from other lab members, or elsewhere on campus, as required. The employee has considerable flexibility in organizing their time, prioritizing work, and choosing the precise procedures to follow.

Supervision Given
The employee trains and supervises new undergraduate students (e.g., work-learn students) who enter the lab in basic procedures and techniques, such as annotating camera trap photos and using various computer applications.

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

- B.Sc. or equivalent degree in a relevant biological discipline.

- Previous work experience working with camera trap data.

- Skilled in the identification of southern African large mammals.

- Strong understanding of African savanna ecology.

- Experience with TrapTagger software program.

- Familiarity with R programming language, GitHub, Microsoft Office.

- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

- Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

- Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

- Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve when possible.

- Ability to maintain accurate records and pay attention to detail.

- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.

- Demonstrated ability to reliably carry out instructions without ongoing directions.