Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, ON (NOW HIRING)

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is August 13, 2026 at 11:59PM.

Valid G Driver's License required

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Technologist - Civil & Environmental Engineering will be responsible for supporting teaching and research related activities associated with the Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering Programs. They will serve as an expert in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, the production of architectural models and displays, and the operation and maintenance of laboratory, wood lab and maker space equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers and hand and power tools typical of a woodworking shop.

Key Accountabilities

Architectural Engineering Lab Instruction and Maintenance

• Under the direction of the Technical Resources Manager and Architectural Engineering Director, set up, maintain, and operate a safe, efficient, and well-organized Architectural Engineering Maker Space (AEMS), Advance Wood Research Lab (AWRL) and Structure, Materials, Fatigue, and Concrete (SMFC) Labs that can be used by undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers

• Provide laboratory instruction to Architectural Engineering students and researchers and assist with laboratory instruction of Civil and Environmental Engineering students in CEE laboratories including but not limited to the AEMS, AWRL and SMFC laboratories

• Prepare laboratory materials, procedures, equipment, and order supplies required for conducting teaching labs

• Instruct students on the proper and safe use of equipment, including but not limited to 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, hand tools, and power tools typically used in a woodworking shop

• Maintain equipment within the Architectural Engineering Maker Space and Advanced Wood Research Lab

• Fabricate and assemble research and test apparatus and architectural models as requested by researchers, faculty members and department administration

• Assist the Structures, Materials, Fatigue and Concrete lab technicians with various tasks, as requested, on work based either in these laboratories or in the field

• Manage the calendar/scheduling system of lab spaces and equipment

• Provide laboratory instructions and demonstrations to external visitors (for example: Alumni Day, Explorations, and Open House activities, industrial visitors and/or consultants)

Assisting with Research Activities

• Supervise, instruct, and assist undergraduate and graduate students carrying out architectural engineering research in the laboratory and in the field

• Assist the Structures, Materials, Fatigue and Concrete lab technicians with various tasks, as requested, on work based either in these laboratories or in the field

• Assist undergraduate and graduate students with project design and the use of laboratory equipment

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing procedures related to architectural engineering and provide advice as requested by faculty, students, or departmental administration

• Undertake construction, fabrication, test set-up, repair, trouble-shooting, problem-solving, test modification, equipment calibration, evaluation and handling of research and test equipment, with guidance and oversight of the Technical Resources Manager

• Assist in sourcing, ordering, commissioning and maintaining specialized equipment

• Assist users in the correct use of servo hydraulic test systems and verification of proper equipment operation, so that predetermined operational standards are consistently maintained

• Provide instruction and technical guidance in the application of QA/QC protocols for specific test methodsReview technical publications, product bulletins and contact vendors for detailed information

Health, Safety & the Environment

• Responsible for the safe operation of laboratory and field work

• Ensure that required safety inspections of workplace are completed

• Maintain safety equipment in the laboratory

• Promote and maintain safety standards

• Assist in the management of labs, including

• Maintenance of Chemical and SDS inventory

• Maintenance of equipment inventories

• Supporting workplace inspections

• Develop, with the departmental Health and Safety Coordinator, Risk Assessments, Job Hazard Analyses, and Standard Operating Procedures as required

• Suggest and implement sustainable solutions

• Ensure that students, staff and faculty are wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when exposed to hazards

Other Duties

• Assist CEE Technical Resources personnel, faculty, co-op students and contract personnel when required

• Assist with the setup and running of departmental competitions and special events including Capstone Design Symposium, Design Days, Explorations, Open Houses, and student teams

• Work collaboratively with other technicians on the team

• General consulting, design, assembly and revision of projects and equipment

• Be flexible and responsive to dynamic research and teaching needs

• Complete and maintain all HSE training required for the position

• Responsible for the safety of all users of all Department lab space with a focus on the Structures, Materials, Concrete and Fatigue (SMCF) labs. This includes ensuring that all work is conducted in a safe manner in accordance with UW safety policies and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Other tasks include ordering safety materials, cleaning up work areas, removal and proper disposal of refuse, and overseeing user clean up

• Operate the forklift and overhead cranes as required

• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Technical Resources Manager

• As requested, participate on departmental, faculty and university committees

Required Qualifications

Education

• 3 year Diploma in related field (Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology), or B.Sc. in Building Science, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Several years' work experience in a related industrial or academic setting

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Thorough understanding of BIM software

• Experience with and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and operate maker space equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, hand and power tools typical of a woodworking shop

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

• Excellent Problem-Solving skills

• Solid interpersonal skills and team orientation

• Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities

• Ability to maintain attention to detail in a fast paced, multitasking environment

• Flexible in assisting with new tasks as assigned

• Strong computer skills

• Excellent organizational, time management, interpersonal, and analytical skills

• Valid G Driver's License required

• Experience in lab course development and instruction is an asset

• First Aid Certification is an asset

Nature and Scope

• Contacts: Internal - students (instructing, advising, and sharing information), staff and faculty (advising and working with), within the department; External - equipment and material suppliers, equipment repair technicians

• Level of Responsibility: Responsible for health and safety oversight within lab and on field sites, influencing departmental management with respect to decision making regarding the purchase of equipment, improving health and safety procedures, and improving architectural engineering lab management. Responsible for supervising graduate and undergraduate students in lab

• Decision-Making Authority: In conjunction with the departmental H&S coordinator, responsible for making decisions that relate to the health and safety of persons using the architectural engineering labs, responsible for the day-to-day prioritization of student projects with the architectural engineering labs

• Physical and Sensory Demands: Distractions, attention to detail, operating hand and power tools, operating forklifts or cranes, lifting, carrying

• Working Environment: The job involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments. The indoor work will occur in an office and laboratory setting and involves reading, writing, working at computer workstations, handling chemicals, working around wood and concrete dust, paints, varnishes, and glues, maintaining a clean working area and operating advanced testing equipment. There is a frequent need to give close attention to various stimuli such as preparing architectural models, reviewing written material, online material and discussing information with clients (students, faculty, and company representatives) and co-workers. Some tasks may be physically challenging requiring reasonable strength and endurance; use of hand and power tools; working at heights, operating forklifts and cranes and lifting of heavy materials and equipment when assisting the structures, materials, fatigue and concrete lab technicians. There are deadline pressures and competing priorities while at the same time there is a demand for thoroughness, accuracy, and safety. The outdoor work involves exposure to outdoor elements year-round. The workplace environment may sometimes be off-site at a remote research location where standards and practices may be undefined. The technologist must use best judgement in establishing safe, responsible working practices for all of the participants at external workplace environments. There is some occasional use of a personal or department vehicle. Regular working hours, some evening/weekend work required.

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Metis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources athrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.