Research Assistant

Full job description
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Job Title
Research Assistant
Department
FNHA Chair | School of Population Public Health | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
June 27, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:5+ PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Jul 6, 2026
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Chair in Cancer and Wellness is seeking a Research Assistant to support its partnered initiatives and related activities. Under the direction of the Chair and Research Manager, and working closely with UBC, FNHA and BC Cancer Agency (and potential other partners), the Research Assistant will implement an effective system of research support for the efficient and professional functioning of the unit and its partnered initiatives.

The position will involve attending research meetings with diverse stakeholders (researchers, Indigenous leaders and elders, clinicians, patient partners, etc.), assisting in preparation of various project and Chair research documents, procedures and presentations, as well as assisting with general project reporting including financial reimbursement reporting/documenting. Incumbent will also assist in literature reviews and review of research data collection protocols, basic statistical and qualitative analyses and visit research sites for knowledge translation activities as needed.

This is a full-time role, with a minimum 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week) commitment.

Hours of work will most commonly be 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, but remain flexible in line with Chair’s requirements discussed below.

Organizational Status
Housed within the Faculty of Medicine, the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) is an innovative unit that encompasses many of the health-related groupings at UBC as a collaborative venture. The School is structured around four divisions: Occupational and Environmental Health; Health Services and Policy; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Practice; and Health in Populations. The relationship between health research, public health, and health services is galvanised and learning enhanced through the resulting mix of professions and disciplines that connects individuals and learners.

The FNHA Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC, Dr. Nadine Caron, is based in Prince George, BC at the UBC Northern Medical Program.

Work Performed
Duties will include a broad range of research functions that meet the current and evolving needs of the FNHA Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC and the Chair’s Research Manager.
General duties will include, but are not limited to:
Assists with creation and writing of various study documents and management of documents through the UBC REB processes.
Creates and maintains UBC server sites for various Chair projects.
Participates in the creation of research related records and databases, entering data according to established protocols in a timely manner.
Performs basic literature research, such as searching for articles online or in the library.
Performs basic statistical and qualitative analyses according to established protocols.
Participates in research site visits (off campus), teleconference and Zoom meetings, and on-site meetings as needed.
Notifies the Research Manager or Chair of actual or potential issues related to the various studies and assists with the development of reconciliation processes as needed.
Helps with knowledge exchange activities with diverse communities and community members (electronically, by phone and in person), in addition to team members and executive leads;
Assists in production and distribution of research publications and reports, including timely reports to Partners where necessary.
Carries out other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification and to assist in Chair efficiency, productivity and timelines.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The work of the Research Assistant will be monitored by the FNHA Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC and the Chair Research Manager. The incumbent is accountable for the timely delivery and reliability of their work. The incumbent is expected to display considerable personal initiative. Strict requirements for confidentiality are to be adhered to; this includes internal procedures and policies for protection of personal information.

The employer will regularly review these requirements as requested. Errors in judgment or procedure would lead to serious administrative problems for the Chair and could result in delayed completion of projects or inappropriate planning and financial loss. The Research Assistant will be representing the Chair with communities. If this is not done in a culturally safe way, the success of the Chair and its outputs to improve population outcomes will also be impacted.

Supervision Received
The Research Assistant position will work under general direction FNHA Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC and the Chair Research Manager. The incumbent will receive detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter, only on new or unusual problems and/or when assistance is requested.

Supervision Given
None.

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
Undergraduate degree in a related field is preferred.
Experience in university, research or health care environment. A matching combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
Individuals with Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis), or experience working with Indigenous communities in BC, perspectives on cultural safety, University and Tri-Agency research administrative policies and procedures is preferred.
Knowledge of and/or experience working with researchers, health system decision makers and clinicians is an asset.
Demonstrated experience working in an environment that prioritizes social justice, equity, and the unique vulnerabilities, resiliencies and human rights needs pertinent to working with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Must have a respect for Indigenous community knowledge and protocols; an understanding is considered an asset. Must be willing to learn in these spaces when opportunities are available.
Ability to effectively use Windows and Microsoft Office at an intermediate level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint). A high level of proficiency with email/calendar software, and web-based communication (i.e., Zoom) is highly valuable. Must be keen to learn and improve in all such software platforms.
Understanding and experience in the UBC Workday platform is an asset and the incumbent must be willing to learn this platform to assist Chair.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Strong interpersonal and executive level communication skills with a proven ability to problem solve independently and exercise good judgment are integral to this position, as well as the ability to work well within a distributed partnered diverse team environment.
Ability to exercise tact, discretion, initiative, confidentiality and judgment.
Excellent organizational skills are required, with the ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
Preferably residing in Prince George, BC.
Must be flexible in working hours to accommodate Chair’s schedule, priorities and different time-zones of partners, and able to work remotely when need arises.
Must have a valid BC driver’s license and/or access to transportation within Prince George to attend meetings.
Willingness to travel regionally and provincially an asset.
International travel is a potential opportunity pending project involvement.
 
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply Read more