Laboratory Assistant

About this

Opportunity

The Island Medical Program (IMP), based at the University of Victoria (UVic), is part of the University of British Columbia (UBC) MD Undergraduate Program (MDUP) and is one of 4 distributed sites situated across the province. The remaining provincial sites are: the Northern Medical Program (NMP), Vancouver Fraser Medical Program (VFMP) and the Southern Medical Program (SMP). The mandate of the IMP is to deliver the UBC MDUP, with an emphasis on training students in community and rural settings across Vancouver Island. IMP training sites are located across the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish peoples.

The Laboratory Assistant provides technical and administrative support to faculty, staff and students while upholding high standards of safety, ethics, and care in the handling of anatomical specimens. Join our team and play a vital role in supporting excellence in medical and health professional education within a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.

The salary range for this position is:

• Recruitment range: $62,989 - $69,444 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.
• Performance range: $81,896 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.

Job Summary

Mandate:
The Laboratory Assistant supports the effective delivery of the Island Medical Program’s Gross Anatomy (GA) curriculum and skills labs by ensuring the safe, organized, and efficient operation of the programs laboratory space located withing the Medical Sciences Building on UVic’s campus. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Programs and Administration, and receives operational direction from the GA Teaching Professor. The role provides essential technical, logistical, and administrative support that enables high-quality teaching and learning while maintaining strict compliance with health, safety, and ethical standards related to laboratory operations and anatomical specimens.

Objectives:

• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized GA laboratory environment that supports instructional activities and complies with institutional and OHSE requirements.
• Ensure laboratory spaces, equipment, specimens, and supplies are consistently prepared, available, and functioning to support scheduled teaching, examinations, and related academic activities.
• Support faculty and students during GA teaching and assessment activities by providing timely, responsive, and professional laboratory assistance.
• Contribute to the respectful, ethical, and compliant handling, storage, and management of cadavers and anatomical specimens.
• Support the continuity and quality of laboratory operations through accurate record-keeping, inventory management, and adherence to established procedures.

Job Requirements

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an appropriate undergraduate degree (e.g. Bachelor of Science), plus minimum 1 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a laboratory setting, or equivalent technical experience.
• Ability to exercise high level of tact and discretion, experience maintaining confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to learn new technologies and experience with audiovisual/videoconference equipment.
• Ability to work independently and collaborative in a team a team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to successfully complete required training (WHMIS, Biosafety, etc.)
• WHMIS training (UVic OHSE training will be provided), is an asset.
• In-depth knowledge of gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, and anatomical terminology and hand-on experience with associated techniques, is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled gross anatomy laboratory environment.
• A modified work schedule may be required, including occasional evening or weekend work to support pre-planned instructional or assessment activities.
• The role involves physically active work, including repetitive pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods.
• The position requires moving, positioning, and transporting materials, equipment, or specimens weighing up to approximately 50 lbs, using appropriate equipment and in accordance with established safety protocols.
• The role involves the safe handling of chemical and biological materials and strict adherence to UVic Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (OHSE) guidelines and required training.
• Regular work with cadavers and anatomical specimens is required and may involve emotional stress; the IMP provides a supportive work environment with access to appropriate resources and supports.

Territory Acknowledgement: We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Equity Statement: UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

Accessibility Statement: If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: uviccareers@uvic.ca Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

What UVic Offers: To learn more click here