Research Assistant

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

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 Research Assistant is responsible for knowledge synthesis, supporting youth and community engagement activities (e.g., co-designing research questions, doing knowledge translation), data collection and synthesis, and knowledge translation for one project related to youth mental health. Research Assistant provides direct support to a principal investigator in the development and conduct of activities related to her research collaborations, specifically related to a CIHR funded project to understand the needs of young people accessing integrated youth services.

Under the guidance of the principal investigator, the Research Assistant interacts and liaises with Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy faculty, staff, and graduate students, and investigators, trainees, and youth/patient advisors involved in projects.

Responsibilities include preparation of interview guide, coordination of participant recruitment and data collection, gathering qualitative data, and responsibility for timely and orderly implementation of research-related tasks and records.
Organizational Status
Reports to the supervising professor, liaises with department manager and other researchers.
Work Performed
The Research Assistant collaborates with the principal investigator (Barbic) to plan and coordinate research activities and events based on the priorities for independent and collaborative projects. The Research Assistant is responsible for the completion of tasks.  Current projects include understanding the needs of young people accessing integrated youth services. Discrete activities and tasks related to completing these and other projects will also be assigned.

Major responsibilities include:

• Assist with the qualitative data collection in one community

• Transcription of interviews and focus groups;

• Co-leading youth-engagement activities by working with research staff to support working groups and engage youth in designing research questions

• Support and assist with knowledge translation 

• Assisting with data interpretation;

• With the PI Dr. Skye Barbic, preparing manuscripts, articles, abstracts, posters and presentations for academic journals and conferences;

• Contributing to an optimal workplace culture and environment;

• Performing other related duties.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Makes professional decisions and recommendations on all aspects of research work. Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have a significant impact on the effectiveness, reputation, collaboration, and financial status of the research project. Inappropriate judgment could result in fundamental flaws in the research results, in funding shortfalls for research grants or contracts, and loss of future research partnerships.
Supervision Received
Works under the general direction of the Principal Investigator Dr. Skye Barbic and designated Research Coordinator Research work is reviewed against achievement of project objectives and conformity to established standards.
Supervision Given

In collaboration with the Principal Investigator will be responsible for delegating tasks as appropriate to research student(s) and mental health consumers hired as peer research assistants involved in the research.
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

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, with preference in Public Health. Bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline with research training and/or thesis, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Valid registration with the appropriate professional college in British Columbia is required if applicable (health professional applicants). Training and/or education and experience in research and data collection/transcription/analysis. Minimum of one year of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Good project management skills and ability to work independently. Experience and demonstrated compassion working with persons with mental illness and substance use disorders.