Research Associate – Sustainable Agriculture Lab

About the role

The Faculty of Land and Food Systems (Applied Biology Program) at the University of British Columbia is seeking a full‑time Research Associate for the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes (SAL) Lab. This one‑year, renewable position supports cutting‑edge research on environmentally sustainable agricultural systems.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of research experiments and develop new projects, including field sampling of greenhouse gas emissions, soils, crops and manures.
• Manage and troubleshoot complex instruments such as a benchtop FTIR spectrometer and field‑deployable greenhouse gas analyzers.
• Develop methodology, standard operating procedures, and fee‑for‑service analysis budgets for FTIR soil property prediction.
• Use R to conduct statistical analysis, create visualizations, and prepare reports, grant deliverables, manuscripts and public‑engagement materials.
• Collaborate with the PI on grant development and writing.
• Maintain a FileMaker database for project metadata, sample inventory and MIR spectra library.
• Provide training and orientation to undergraduate students and new staff on lab safety, equipment operation and research protocols.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, handle purchasing and reconcile credit‑card transactions.
• Assist in coordinating technical personnel across multiple projects and manage lab calendar.

Required profile

• Experience managing research experiments and laboratory instrumentation.
• Proficiency in R for data analysis and visualization.
• Familiarity with FTIR and mid‑infrared spectroscopy techniques.
• Ability to develop SOPs, manage budgets and oversee fee‑for‑service analyses.
• Experience using FileMaker or similar database systems for sample tracking.
• Strong laboratory safety and equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Capability to train and mentor undergraduate students and junior staff.

Required skills

• R programming
• FTIR spectroscopy
• Mid‑infrared spectroscopy
• Colorimetric analysis
• Greenhouse gas analyzer operation
• FileMaker database management
• Statistical analysis and data visualization
• Laboratory safety protocols
• Equipment troubleshooting
• Budget and inventory management

What we offer

• Salary of $7,587.67 per month