Research Assistant​/Technician

Job Summary

The Research Assistant/Technician 3 provides specialized technical expertise to support a time-limited equipment modernization and lifecycle management initiative within the Department of Mining Engineering. The position focuses on assessing existing laboratory equipment, supporting equipment upgrades and replacements, coordinating vendors and installations, and developing maintenance and lifecycle plans to support research and teaching activities.

This position also provides partial technical support to departmental laboratories to maintain continuity of operations while senior technical staff are assigned to project-based work. This role operates with a high degree of independence and works closely with faculty, technicians, researchers, vendors, and departmental administrators.

This is a one-year, term-limited position funded through retained endowment funds and does not represent an ongoing staffing increase.

This is a CUPE 116 position at the Research Assistant/Technician 3 level. The normal hours of work are 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). This is a term position for 1 year only.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Facilities Manager, with functional direction from the Department Head and Department Manager. Works independently while collaborating closely with research technicians, faculty members, graduate students, and external vendors.

Provides technical advice and guidance but does not supervise staff.

• Project Work:
  Equipment Modernization & Lifecycle Management
  • Equipment Inventory & Lifecycle Assessment
  • Conducts a comprehensive inventory of existing laboratory equipment across the Department of Mining Engineering’s research and teaching laboratories.
  • Assesses equipment condition, operational status, utilization, remaining service life, and maintenance history.
  • Identifies equipment that is obsolete, at or near end-of-life, or no longer appropriate for current or anticipated research and teaching needs.
  • Develops and maintains centralized equipment records, including specifications, manuals, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle risks.
• Equipment Upgrade, Replacement & Commissioning Support
  • Works with faculty, researchers, and technical staff to identify priorities for equipment upgrades, replacements, refurbishment, or retirement.
  • Researches available technologies and equipment options, including emerging tools and methods relevant to mining engineering, mineral processing, surface chemistry, and related research areas.
  • Engages with suppliers and vendors to obtain technical specifications, quotations, and delivery timelines.
  • Supports negotiation related to pricing, warranties, service agreements, training provisions, and long-term support.
  • Coordinates delivery, installation, commissioning, and vendor-led training for new or upgraded equipment.
  • Assists with space planning, infrastructure readiness, and utility requirements associated with new equipment installations.
• Maintenance & Sustainability Planning
  • Develops and documents maintenance, calibration, and service plans for new and existing laboratory equipment.
  • Ensures appropriate warranties, service contracts, and preventative maintenance schedules are established and tracked.
  • Develops standardized templates and documentation to support ongoing equipment lifecycle tracking beyond the term of the project.
  • Works with technical staff to transition from reactive repairs to proactive, planned maintenance practices.
  • Contributes to the development of long-term equipment sustainability strategies to support shared, multi-user laboratory environments.
• Documentation, Reporting & Project Coordination
  • Prepares summaries, inventories, and progress reports related to equipment modernization activities.
  • Maintains accurate records related to quotations, warranties, service contracts, and installations.
  • Tracks project milestones and supports reporting to departmental leadership.
  • Performs other related duties consistent with the qualifications and requirements of the position.
• Laboratory Technical Support
  • Provides hands-on technical support across research and teaching laboratories to ensure continuity of laboratory operations while senior technical staff are assigned to project-based equipment initiatives.
  • Supports the day-to-day functioning of multi-user laboratory environments by assisting with equipment readiness, configuration, and reset between research and teaching activities.
  • Sets up, tests, and prepares laboratory equipment and experimental systems for research experiments, demonstrations, undergraduate teaching labs, and special projects.
  • Assists with routine troubleshooting, diagnostics, and minor repairs of laboratory equipment and experimental systems, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
  • Applies established laboratory techniques and procedures in mining engineering, mineral processing, surface chemistry, rock mechanics, ventilation, and related areas to support ongoing research and teaching activities.
  • Demonstrates working familiarity with…