Biological Sciences Technician PL6

Role overview

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John is seeking a Biological Sciences Technician PL6 for an on-campus, full-time 9-month term position. The department delivers undergraduate programs in Marine Biology, Biology, Applied Coastal Ecology, and Biology-Psychology, along with research-based MSc and PhD degrees across several biological science disciplines. Its faculty research spans marine biology, evolution, ecology, physiology, aquaculture, fisheries, environmental biology, biodiversity, and related areas in geology, chemistry, and physics.

Working arrangement and schedule

This position is based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with 36.25 hours per week during summer hours. The role may occasionally require later afternoon availability after 5:30 pm.

Compensation

The hourly pay range is $26.07 to $32.11, effective July 1, 2026.

Key purpose of the role

Reporting to the Chair of Biological Sciences, the technician supports undergraduate laboratory instruction, particularly in Biology and Chemistry. The position involves setting up and taking down lab activities, managing equipment and chemicals, caring for living specimens, and offering practical guidance to faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students.

Core duties

• Set up teaching laboratories and coordinate the preparation of lab sessions with instructors, making adjustments where needed.
• Monitor, maintain, and replenish inventories of chemicals, specimens, and equipment needed for each lab.
• Organize safety paperwork and transportation requirements for off-campus field activities.
• Mix chemical solutions and growth media, and prepare or collect specimens when necessary.
• Supply the required equipment and hardware, and clean used lab items such as glassware and apparatus.
• Handle chemical waste from undergraduate labs so it can be disposed of safely.
• Sort, track, and organize materials used in undergraduate teaching laboratories.
• Record and monitor lab-related spending for undergraduate courses.
• Run, service, and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Care for live bacterial cultures and plants, including managing associated holding areas.
• Maintain invertebrates and vertebrates in line with Canadian Council on Animal Care standards and coordinate teaching use of animal holding spaces.
• Provide technical support and advice to faculty, staff, and students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Manage purchases and inventories of ethyl alcohol used for teaching and research.
• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute updates and recommendations related to undergraduate teaching labs.
• Support funding applications, help acquire new teaching equipment, develop new lab exercises, and assist with demonstrations or activities for visiting student groups.
• Carry out additional tasks assigned by the Chair.

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science is required. Candidates should have a solid foundation in biology and chemistry and at least 3 years of experience working in a laboratory environment.

Additional strengths

Strong candidates will be comfortable using Microsoft Office, communicate clearly, stay organized, and work well with others. The role also calls for the ability to work on one’s own, identify what needs to be done without direct supervision, adapt to unexpected requests for help, and remain open to obtaining and keeping First Aid certification. Familiarity with WHMIS/GHS is considered an advantage.

Application notes

The application deadline is July 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Applications are open to all qualified candidates, including current employees who may wish to take on a temporary assignment.