Research Associate-II Hallam Lab Job Vancouver area,BC Canada,Research/Development

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate-II Hallam Lab

Department

Research | Hallam | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science (Steven Hallam)

Posting End Date

June 26, 2026

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

Job End Date

June 30, 2027

The expected salary range for this position is $80,000 - $100,000 per annum.

Job Summary:
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus is seeking a full-time Research Associate. This position is housed within the Hallam Lab, a highly interdisciplinary research group engaged in transformative science at the interface of microbial ecology, biological engineering, bioinformatics, and sustainability science. The Research Associate-II will play a pivotal role in contributing to active research projects involving large sample collections, environmental genomic library screening, and the design and testing of engineered living materials for wide-ranging industrial applications, while overseeing laboratory operations related to research and training activities to ensure the lab runs safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with institutional requirements.

Organizational Status:
The Research Associate-II reports to Prof. Steven Hallam (Principal Investigator) and works closely with the leadership team (Research Associate I and Project Manager), postdocs, students, and other staff.

Key Responsibilities:
The Research Associate-II will combine technical expertise with administrative leadership, with responsibilities including:

Research and Scientific Contributions

Designing and conducting independent research, contributing to publications, reports, and grant funded research activities within the lab.

Supporting active research projects involving large sample collections, environmental genomic library screening, and the design and testing of engineered living materials for wide-ranging industrial applications.

Coordinating sample submission and biobanking procedures as well as data access and transfer from outside service providers in collaboration with trainees and other staff.

Maintaining collections of samples, constructs, and other biological resources in consultation with the UBC Biobank.

Coordinating with external collaborators, core facilities, and service providers to support research and operational activities.

Supporting collaborative and legacy projects to preserve and extend the scientific contributions of trainees including graduate students and postdocs.

Providing day-to-day leadership and mentorship to students, postdocs, and staff in contemporary lab practices and research techniques.

Organizing and hosting weekly laboratory meetings.

Laboratory Leadership and Research Operations

Overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations.

Monitoring laboratory operations to proactively identify gaps, inefficiencies, or risks, and implement improvements.

Ensuring strict adherence to biological and chemical safety regulations.

Ensuring alignment of lab operations with departmental and UBC policies and mandates.

Maintaining laboratory inventories and developing or updating standard operating procedures for lab protocols and equipment using eLab information management software.

Managing ordering and procurement, including timely payment processing, purchase tracking, and communication with vendors regarding technical requirements and shipping.

Managing the inventory and life cycle of all laboratory equipment (installation, certification, maintenance, repairs and decommissioning).

Administering the laboratory’s operating financial accounts and credit card statements, including monitoring expenditures, reconciling accounts, and supporting budget tracking, in consultation with Project Manager.

Organize annual laboratory cleaning events to increase lab safety and efficiency.

Coordinating equipment maintenance as indicated by the manufacturer.

Implement sustainable practices in the laboratory to reduce waste and environmental impact supporting the UBC 2030 Climate Action Plan.

Providing lab access, orientation, and operational support to student design teams including iGEM and…