Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials

Job Summary

The UBC BioProducts Institute's (BPI) vision is to develop research capacity and educational

programs related to the formation of plant-derived materials and pathways for their sustainable

transformation into new low-carbon products - forecasted to be a $1 trillion market globally by 2030. The UBC BPI is an internationally recognized, multi- disciplinary research cluster of researchers, scientists, engineers, and policy experts from across multiple UBC faculties.

Working as a Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials, this internship is an integral part of the UBC Bioproducts Institute. The intern will be part of and be mentored by a team of high caliber engineers, scientists and business professionals. The work is based in UBC Vancouver campus or a combination with a remote work arrangement. This internship will provide opportunity for the intern to get into the field of sustainable technologies that are closely linked with Canadian resources sectors, related to the use of forest & agriculture byproducts to create advanced bio-products materials as a replacement of fossil fuel based engineered materials. The intern will work to support projects in the ATR program, and support the research team’s effort to fine tune the manufacturing process and characterize samples using various analytical methods. Post internship employment opportunities in the fields of bioproducts, forestry, agriculture innovations, and circular economies are abundant and promising.

Organizational Status
The Technical Analyst for Sustainable Bio-based Materials reports to the Director of Operations, BioProducts Institute. This position may take direction from other research team members or senior staff within BPI.

Work Performed

• Support the development of Techno-Economic Analyses (TEA), including drafting process flow diagrams (PFD), equipment sizing and costing, economic analysis, and sensitivity analysis on key process variables.
• Participate in defining Scope of Work for projects including defining phases, schedule, and objectives
• Assist with high-level technical review with the objective of identifying potential critical technical risks, liabilities and opportunities
• Assist with defining the most critical development required for technology technical development to inform start up next steps.
• Work with world-class researchers within the BioProducts Institute, to add value to emerging technologies from the Accelerating Technology Readiness (ATR) program, and/or ATR project(s).
• Interact with university researchers, graduate students and postdocs, as well as the BPI team to deliver to bioproduct projects and BPI initiatives.
• Develop graphic presentation materials to communicate research outcomes and scalability strategies with research industry partners and interdisciplinary research teams

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position initiates action or makes recommendations on actions based on analysis of data and reports prepared from controlled data. Incorrect advice will result in reduced awards insuccessful applications, or ineligible expenses in post award audits. Incorrect advice on settingbudget could result in significant over-expenditures.

Supervision Received
Works under general managerial direction in assigned areas of responsibility. Work is reviewed in terms of effectiveness within established policies and guidelines.

Supervision Given
Does not supervise staff at this time.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• University degree in Science, or Engineering (e.g. Chemical Engineering)
• Experience working in a chemical laboratory is considered an asset.
• A combination of technical and business training/work experience are considered assets
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with members of staff, faculty, and senior management
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects/tasks as well as multiple deadlines, prioritize effectively and adapt quickly and efficiently to change
• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve them