City : Vancouver

Category : Full time

Industry : Educational Services

Employer : University of British Columbia

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

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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 provides critical technical research support and advanced mechanical fabrication expertise for the development of electrochemical systems used in environmental remediation and sustainable materials recovery. As part of a multi-year, multi-institutional initiative supported by the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials, the hire will play a vital role in bridging theoretical design and physical realization towards translating innovative concepts into functional prototype systems that advance both fundamental research and translational applications within the Yadav Lab.

The role demands expertise in construction, plumbing integration, instrumentation, electrical systems, and troubleshooting of complex chemical processing prototypes. The successful candidate will create operating manuals, develop standard procedures, and collaborate closely with senior scientists to optimize experimental systems in a dynamic, mission-driven laboratory environment focused on next-generation materials and sustainable mining processes.

Organizational Status
Reports directly to Dr. Vikramaditya Yadav, the Principal Investigator. Works collaboratively with senior scientists, research staff, graduate students, and external partners across multiple institutions involved in the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials initiative.

Work Performed

• Fabricates, assembles, and maintains acidic electrochemical prototypes for environmental remediation and sustainable materials recovery research

• Translates scientific diagrams and process flow concepts (P&IDs) into fully operational physical systems

• Performs advanced hands-on work including machining, plumbing (metal piping systems), electrical wiring, pump installation, and sensor integration

• Troubleshoots complex issues in chemical processing prototypes, including mechanical failures, fluid dynamics problems, electrical faults, and control system anomalies

• Calibrates instrumentation and sensors to ensure precision and reliability prior to experimental campaigns

• Prepares sophisticated experimental setups and provides technical support to senior scientists conducting high-stakes chemical trials

• Develops comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical manuals, and safety documentation for novel equipment; leads subsequent optimization efforts

• Manages vendor relationships and procurement for specialized components; coordinates project-related logistics including shipping and receiving

• Provides technical mentorship and supervision to undergraduate and graduate students working with electrochemical systems

• Maintains rigorous safety standards and ensures full compliance with protocols for handling acidic, hazardous, and reactive chemical systems

• Supports the research and translational activities of the group as part of the broader Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials objectives

• Performs other related duties as required

 
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in fabrication, plumbing, or electrical integration of electrochemical systems could result in hazardous leaks of acidic compounds, electrical failures, or system malfunctions, posing serious safety risks to laboratory personnel and the environment. Incorrect calibration, assembly, or instrumentation could compromise critical experiments, result in loss of irreplaceable research data, damage expensive prototype equipment, and significantly delay research deliverables for both the Principal Investigator and the multi-institutional Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials program.

Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of Dr. Vikram Yadav. Receives specific technical direction from senior scientists regarding experimental requirements and project priorities.

Supervision Given
Provides functional supervision, technical instruction, and safety training to undergraduate and graduate students assisting with experimental procedures and equipment operation.

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

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, or related technical field from a recognized technical college or institute. Minimum 3 years of related hands-on technical experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 3-5 years of hands-on technical experience in research, industrial, or mining environments involving complex chemical or electrochemical systems

• Strong background in mining operations, mineral processing, or extractive metallurgy is highly desirable

• Demonstrated expertise in electrochemical processing, acid leaching systems, or hydrometallurgical operations

• Exceptional "maker" mentality with proven mechanical troubleshooting skills and prototype assembly expertise

• Advanced experience with plumbing systems (metal piping, high-pressure/corrosive fluid handling), pump selection and integration, and fluid mechanics

• Proficiency in electrical work including wiring, circuit design, and integration of control systems

• Strong instrumentation skills including sensor selection, calibration, data acquisition systems, and process control

• Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical designs, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and process flow sheets

• Working knowledge of PLCs, process automation, and instrumentation commonly used in chemical processing and mining operations

• Demonstrated ability to create professional technical documentation including user manuals, SOPs, and safety procedures from concept to completion

• Physical capability to perform heavy lifting, work in confined spaces, and stand for extended periods during fabrication and installation

• Excellent organizational and project management skills to coordinate vendor relationships, procurement, and inventory management

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative member of a multidisciplinary scientific team in a fast-paced research environment