Laboratory Technician

Employment Type: Casual , Fixed Term (1-2 months)

Reports To: Associate Dean, Academic

Primary Purpose

The Lab Demonstrator, Geography, Physics, Ecology and Biologyis responsible for supporting the development of laboratory content and preparing, setting up, and delivering lab experiments to students. This position delivers laboratory concepts and experimental guidance, supervises students as they conduct experiments, and mark lab assignments and examinations. In collaboration with the faculty, the laboratory demonstrators create materials to support students in the laboratory. In addition, this position is responsible for ordering supplies, organizing field trips, and liaising with internal and external parties to facilitate smooth lab operations.

Specific Responsibilities

Lab Delivery and Instructional Support:

• Introduce students to lab concepts and reinforce the connection between the experimental procedures and theoretical concepts covered in the lectures


• Demonstrate wet and dry laboratory techniques to students. Supports students carrying out practical exercises in either the dry or wet lab


• Trains students to operate technical laboratory equipment, handle chemicals, and treat specimens


• Instruct students as they operate laboratory equipment as they practice laboratory techniques


• Supervise students and reinforce safety protocols that are appropriate for the procedure used. Maintain the safety of others in a lab environment


• Field questions related to the theory or interpretation of lab results


• Maintain office hours and scheduled appointments with students outside of lab hours


• Supervise long-term projects and experiments during and outside lab time


• Compare student work to prescribed laboratory learning outcomes


• Maintain student conduct in labs


• Connect students with student support services, as required

Materials preparation and Lab set-up:

Materials and content

• Write and update lab manuals, in collaboration with faculty


• Design assessments such as lab exams, lab reports, lab assignments, etc. in collaboration with faculty


• Create and update lab supplementary materials in collaboration with faculty


• Set up lab materials on educational platforms (e.g. Brightspace).

Lab Set-up and Maintenance

• Ensure the laboratory space is abiding by all safety regulations


• Setup lab room according to the list created by the Faculty


• Maintain up-to-date inventory and detailed prep lists of materials required to set up the labs


• Prepare solutions and purchase materials required for the labs


• Move, maintain, and sterilize technical equipment as needed (e.g., microscopes, models, hot plates, centrifuges, hot water baths, incubators)


• Maintain cultures and live specimens (e.g., plants, protists, bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates). Collect specimens for use in the laboratory


• Prepare chemicals/biohazardous materials and ensure safe disposal after use or spills

Student Assessments:

• Assess laboratory techniques and fieldwork and assess laboratory submissions


• Invigilate and mark any laboratory assessment (e.g., lab exams, assignments, lab reports, oral presentations, etc.). If applicable, set up exams in the laboratory


• Communicate results of lab assessments or post-assessment reviews in a timely (1 week) and confidential manner, in person, by email or video conference


• Maintain academic integrity in lab assessments


• Maintain and store records of grades

Administrative and Purchasing:

• Prepare and submit, for Course lead approval, purchase requisitions of supplies, equipment, and material for laboratory exercises\


• Monitor and balance the annual operating budget relative to requisitions


• Offer input on program budget allocations and enhancements


• Order and ensure the timely arrival of appropriate equipment, models, specimens, and chemicals required for labs


• Contact possible vendors to evaluate stock and obtain quotes before sending to purchasing


• Coordinate delivery with local vendors for live specimens.


• Collaborate and participate in department/team meetings. Liaise with other groups on and off campus to facilitate resources and relevant supports


• Other duties as may be assigned.

Position Requirements

To be successful in the Laboratory Technician position, an individual must possess and be committed to developing, maintaining, and demonstrating the following:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, instructors, staff and students


• Ability to demonstrate the use of different equipment and techniques to students


• Can interpret and apply departmental rules, policies, and technical materials


• Possess great organizational skills


• Ability to effectively supervise, direct, and lead others


• Knows when and how to respond and manage potentially dangerous, hazardous, or emergency situations


• Has a strong sense of initiative and responsibility


• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and Brightspace is an asset

Education and experience

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science or Applied Science, where most coursework is in Geography, Physics, Ecology and Biology.


• Two (2) years of relevant experience as a lab demonstrator, lab assistant, teaching assistant or acceptable equivalent, preferably in a post-secondary environment


• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered


• Considerable knowledge of the course content, procedures, techniques, and methodologies involved in Geography, Physics, Ecology and Biologylabs


• Must have a working knowledge of WorkSafeBC and WHMIS regulations

University Canada West (UCW) is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible learning and working environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse gender identities and expressions, and individuals of all sexual orientations. We recognize that historical and systemic barriers continue to affect equity-deserving groups and strive to promote inclusive practices and equitable access to opportunities across our institution.

University Canada West acknowledges that its campuses are situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

We thank all applicants for their interest in University Canada West. Please note that Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority consideration, and only shortlisted candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.