Scientific Assistant

University of Victoria

$76K — $99K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree in Engineering (mechanical, electrical, biomedical)
  • 3 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Ability to design and construct electro-mechanical apparatus
  • Proficiency with engineering software packages (MATLAB, SolidWorks, etc.)
  • Experience with electronic equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.)
  • Programming proficiency in languages like Python, C, C++
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusive work environment

Responsibilities

  • Support faculty and staff in developing and upgrading teaching labs
  • Assist in the creation and maintenance of instructional lab manuals
  • Ensure safety protocols are followed in labs and for student teams
  • Train teaching assistants on running teaching labs
  • Identify and implement process improvements for departmental operations
  • Collaborate with leadership on long-term planning and academic goals
  • Provide advice and training on equipment and software use to faculty and students

Benefits

  • A collaborative work environment within a leading educational institution
  • Professional development opportunities to enhance skills
  • Access to university resources and facilities
  • Diversity and equity initiatives in workplace
  • Potential for annual performance reviews leading to salary increases
Full Job Description
Organizational Unit

University of Victoria -> Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science -> Mechanical Engineering

Location

University of Victoria - Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 CA (Primary)

Posting Close Date

25 August 2026

Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.

FTE

1.0

Salary Grade

$76,643.00 - $99,674.00

Additional Posting Information

Please note that while the university encourages and accepts external applications, a strong pool of internal candidates has been identified for this opportunity.

Salary posted will be pro-rated based on FTE and achieved as per the collective agreement, if applicable.

Classification

SG10

Employee Group:

PEA - Regular

# of Hires Needed

1

Category

Engineering

The salary range for this position is:
  • Recruitment range: $76,643 to $84,502. Starting salary is determined in accordance with the PEA Collective Agreement.
  • Performance range: Up to $99,674. Progression beyond the recruitment range is available through annual performance increases, in accordance with the PEA Collective Agreement.


Job Summary

Mandate:

A Scientific Assistant (SA) plays an important role in ensuring the department functions efficiently and effectively by supporting students and faculty members and by coordinating with other technical staff, such as the Manager of Laboratories (ML), Senior Scientific Assistants (SSAs), and Scientific Assistants (SAs), as needed for the day-to-day operation of the unit. This position also provides specialist-level advice and training to students, faculty, and teaching assistants in the use of equipment and software in the undergraduate laboratories in the Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering programs.

Objectives:
  • Support faculty and staff in developing, maintaining, and upgrading all teaching labs.
  • Support development of instructional lab manuals and the updating of lab equipment.
  • Provide oversight, ensuring that policy procedures and the safety of labs and student teams are followed in the department.
  • Support teaching assistants by providing training and oversight for running teaching labs.
  • Provide additional support to improve current processes and optimize procedures to ensure the department operates smoothly and effectively.
  • Support department leadership in meeting long-term planning and academic goals.

This role may require working outside of normal working hours on an emergency or pre-scheduled basis.

Job Requirements

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in Engineering (mechanical, electrical, biomedical) plus 3 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.
  • Ability to design and construct electro-mechanical apparatus and interfacing with computers.
  • Demonstrated experience using electronic equipment such as power supplies, digital oscilloscopes, LCR meters, signal generators, DAQ, etc.
  • Working experience with engineering software packages such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, LabVIEW, ANSYS or similar.
  • Working familiarity with manual and computer-controlled machining equipment such as milling machines, lathes, laser cutting machine, etc.
  • Familiarity with 3D printers, 3D scanners, bioprinters, etc.
  • Proficiency in microcontroller programming.
  • Proficiency in computer programming languages such as Python, Java Script, C, C++.
  • Experience with the use of electronic sensors, such as strain gages, thermocouples, pressure gages, encoders, etc. and subsequent data acquisition systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with the management of information systems and technology in accordance with industry best practice and internal UVic policies and standards including relevant professional development to keep knowledge and skills current.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to apply project management best practices to achieve multiple project goals/tasks on time.
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and tailor communication style for different audiences and situations.
  • Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
  • Ability to maintain required safety certifications up to date (such as WHMIS, Laser Safety, Compressed gas, etc.)
  • Ability to grasp and articulate different engineering concepts.
  • Ability to act effectively under pressure in a dynamic environment.
  • Ability to take initiative and work with limited direction.
  • Ability to mentor and coach Teaching Assistants and student teams, and act as a resource.

Assets and preferences:
  • Experience with practical design of analog and digital circuits and fabrication of circuit boards.
  • Familiarity with the tissue culture in a BSL2 environment.
  • Knowledge and/or experience about microfluidics.
  • Familiarity with UVic programs, policies, procedures and business systems.


Territory Acknowledgement: We acknowledge and respect the Ləkʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Ləkʷəŋən 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.

Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement: If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: [email protected] Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

What UVic Offers: To learn more click here

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at University of Victoria

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Scientific Assistant jobs: