Biological Sciences Technician PL6

Opportunity Overview

This full-time, on-campus position is based in Saint John, New Brunswick within the Department of Biological Sciences. The role is a 9-month term and falls under the Science and Research category. The department delivers undergraduate BSc programs in Marine Biology, Biology, Applied Coastal Ecology, and Biology-Psychology, along with research-focused MSc and PhD programs across multiple biological science disciplines. It is supported by a faculty team with expertise spanning marine biology, evolution, ecology, physiology, aquaculture, fisheries, environmental biology, biodiversity, and related areas in geology, chemistry, and physics.

Employment Details

Competition Number: #020-26.27. Closing date for applications is July 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Applications are open to all qualified candidates, including current employees who may want to take on a temporary assignment.

Standard hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a total of 36.25 hours per week during summer hours. The role may also require availability later in the afternoon, after 5:30 PM.

Pay is set between $26.07 and $32.11 per hour as of July 1, 2026.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Chair of Biological Sciences, the technician supports undergraduate laboratory instruction, particularly in Biology and Chemistry. The position is responsible for preparing, organizing, maintaining, and dismantling lab resources, keeping equipment and chemical inventories up to date, caring for living specimens, and offering technical support to faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students.

Key Duties

• Set up teaching laboratories and coordinate lab preparation.
• Review procedures with lab instructors and adjust them when needed.
• Monitor, restock, and maintain inventories of chemicals, specimens, and equipment for each lab.
• Arrange transportation and required safety documentation for off-campus activities.
• Prepare chemical solutions and growth media, and collect or prepare specimens where needed.
• Provide hardware and lab equipment, and clean used glassware and other equipment after use.
• Handle chemical waste from undergraduate labs so it can be safely disposed of.
• Organize and track materials used in undergraduate teaching labs.
• Record and monitor expenses tied to undergraduate course labs.
• Operate, service, and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Maintain bacterial cultures, plants, and associated holding spaces.
• Care for invertebrates and vertebrates in line with Canadian Council on Animal Care standards.
• Coordinate and maintain animal holding areas used for teaching.
• Offer technical guidance and hands-on assistance to faculty members, staff, and students.
• Manage purchasing and inventory of ethyl alcohol for both teaching and research.
• Participate in departmental meetings and share updates on undergraduate lab activities.
• Seek funding, buy new teaching equipment, design new undergraduate lab activities, and support demonstrations for visiting student groups.
• Perform other related tasks assigned by the Chair.

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science is required, along with a strong foundation in both biology and chemistry. The role also requires at least 3 years of experience in a laboratory environment.

Additional Strengths

• Comfort using Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work on one’s own and identify tasks needed to keep the department running without direct supervision.
• Flexibility to respond to unplanned requests for help is an advantage.
• Willingness to complete and keep First Aid training current.
• Knowledge of WHMIS and GHS is considered beneficial.

Working Conditions

This position is based on campus in Saint John. Candidates should be prepared for standard weekday hours and occasional later-afternoon availability.