Structural Testing and Laboratory Technician

Staff - Union Job Category BCGEU Okanagan Support Staff Job Profile BCGEU OK Hourly - Research Assistant and Technician IV Job Title Structural Testing and Laboratory Technician Department UBCO | Research Support | School of Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $31.89 - $36.58 CAD Hourly Posting End Date September 28, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date October 11, 2027         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 ASSET Team develops and tests innovative structural systems intended to improve the safety, resilience, and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. The work includes large-scale experimental testing of reinforced concrete, precast concrete, structural steel, and other structural systems. Research outcomes support advances in engineering knowledge and practice   The Technician provides technical support for the planning, design, construction, documentation, and execution of ASSET Team’s large-scale structural testing.

This position will carry out hands-on experimental tasks, including (but not limited to) using tools to assemble test equipment, fabricating components from steel, wood, or concrete, and preparing test samples as needed. This position must also demonstrate proper and safe use of tools, instrumentation, machinery, and laboratory equipment. This position will procure, install, and maintain equipment and lab documentation.

This position will be trained in university safety guidelines and purchasing and receiving procedures, and will be expected to maintain a high level of safety in the laboratory. Organizational Status This position will report to the ASSET Research Manager and ultimately to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Tobber). The technician works closely with faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other university technical staff or service units.

The position may also be required to coordinate with contractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry research partners. Work Performed Provides research support: Supports a professional, respectful, collaborative, and inclusive laboratory environment. Works with ASSET team members to ensure project and research schedules are met and that all safety aspects are implemented; Uses appropriate tools and equipment to construct and install large-scale experimental arrangements safely and accurately using sketches, schematics, functional drawings and/or as per researcher's instructions; Fabricates, assembles, installs, modifies, and dismantles structural testing systems, steel fixtures, loading frames, instrumentation supports, and other experimental components.

Performs or coordinates cutting, drilling, grinding, fastening, welding, machining, and mechanical assembly Coordinates the fabrication of specialized steel and mechanical components by internal shops or external contractors. Works with researchers to develop new laboratory experiments and improve existing laboratory experiments; Assists with adapting, modifying and maintaining equipment and providing troubleshooting support to researchers and research assistants; Identifies practical problems during fabrication, assembly, and operations and develops appropriate solutions in consultation with the Research Manager, Principal Investigator, or project team when required.

Assembles and tests research equipment prior to use to verify proper operational status; Adapts, modifies, services and maintains test equipment per established maintenance schedules and manufacturers' specifications; Reads and interprets fabrication drawin