Indigenous Engagement and Policy Research Coordinator

Job SummaryThe Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia seeks a Research Assistant in the Wasserman Lab working on the Silent Genomes Project. The Wasserman laboratory partners with a strong genetics community to develop and apply computational (bioinformatics) methods to improve diagnosis for individuals with rare genetic disorders caused by variations in genome sequences. The Silent Genomes Project is a national collaboration focused on the development of an under Indigenous governance and oversight. Based on the campus of BC Children’s Hospital, the Wasserman laboratory is the lead laboratory for the expansion of the . This position presents a unique opportunity to work with Indigenous partners (individuals, communities and organizations) across Canada to improve the existing by making it more representative of the diversity of Indigenous peoples by continuing a commitment to the development of safe and transparent approaches to inclusion, and to create educational resources that support the and related efforts. The work is conducted under funding from three intersecting grants: , funded by Genome Canada, the CIHR-funded Team Grant: ‘, and the CIHR-funded training grant ’ (now known as the Canadian Bioinformatics Hub. The PCGL aims to provide long-term national infrastructure and resources for maintaining data and access to the output of genome sequencing projects, including the Silent Genomes Project. Funded work under the Canadian Bioinformatics Hub is focused on building Indigenous capacity in data science and bioinformatics. The successful candidate will be responsible for development of genomic educational materials and tools for Indigenous families and communities considering research participation in , facilitating engagement with First Nations, Metis and Inuit stakeholders, drafting communications for Indigenous health and policy organizations in Canada and beyond who are learning about or collaborating with the project, and engaging with trainees and academic investigators across Canada committed to expanding Indigenous capacity in the data sciences and computational biology. The candidate will review study protocols and educational resources from the project and provide suggestions for improved alignment with the priorities and guidelines of Indigenous communities and organizations. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting literature reviews (both academic and other) on policy topics, preparing draft documents summarizing such literature, and drafting policies for consideration by project members, collaborators and/or related organizations. The successful candidate will require strong skills in handling phone and e-mail communications regarding . In addition, the incumbent may provide supervision to University undergraduate students or volunteers working on within the Wasserman lab.Occasional travel within Canada is likely.For more information. Please see the Silent Genomes Project website at: Organizational StatusThis is a task-oriented role, requiring some independence, strong initiative and excellent professional judgement. The successful candidate reports to and receives guidance from Dr. W. Wasserman (Professor, Medical Genetics, Project Leader), with input and advice from Dr. L. Arbour (Medical Geneticist, Co-Project Leader) and Dr. Nadine Caron (Co-Project Leader) as needed. The successful candidate may supervise University undergraduate students or volunteers working on . The successful candidate will prepare documents for external access and engage in confidential conversations with individuals, communities or representatives of organizations. Work PerformedPrepare summaries of policy documents related to data handling and data governance, with emphasis on Indigenous dataDraft new policy documents reflecting perspectives obtained from the literature and in-depth discussions with internal and external partners for consideration by project leaders and an Indigenous governance committeeDevelop educational resources conveying information about policy and governance within the projectFacilitate engagement with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit partners to inform the development of genomic education resources for Indigenous communities/research participantsIdentify and develop expertise in the various educational tools available, through in-depth literature review and consultation with education expertsCreate genomic educational materials, based on input received from Indigenous partnersProvide guidance to peers, undergraduate students and volunteers in the Wasserman lab working on governance, ethics or policy work within SilentEngage with community organizations, Indigenous partners and Indigenous individuals to share information about the Silent Genomes project, the PCGL or the Canadian Bioinformatics HubContribute to the writing of study protocols for participant recruitment, enrollment, and DNA collection for expansion of the Contribute to the preparation and submission of academic publicationsGive presentations to community members, stakeholders, and healthcare providers to communicate study activities and/or research resultsTravel within Canada will be required on occasionConsequence of Error/JudgementThe successful candidate exercises professional judgment and initiative in the overall coordination and management of research activities. The successful candidate makes high-level decisions regarding the planning, coordination and communication of research activities.Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator and University as a site for further research and/or funding. Performance must strictly conform to research protocols, Tri-Council policy statement, and standard Canadian guidelines for health research involving Indigenous People.A high level of cultural competency and sensitivity is necessary in this position, as any insensitive actions could jeopardize our longstanding research relationship with the Indigenous communities we work with.Errors in the dissemination of data or any breach of confidentiality could jeopardize this research study and Dr. Wasserman’s research program. A confidentiality agreement must be signed, stating that any identifying and/or personal information will be held in the strictest confidence. It is imperative that the successful candidate is detail-oriented and very careful with their work.Supervision ReceivedThe incumbent works closely with the Genetic Counselor/Research Manager and the project leaders, but needs to be self-motivated to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner. The incumbent is expected to report to a Research Manager (unnamed) and, if that position is unfilled, will report to and receive guidance from Dr. W. Wasserman (Professor, Medical Genetics, Project Leader). In either reporting format, the incumbent will have access to input and advice from Dr. L. Arbour (Medical Geneticist, Co-Project Leader) and Dr. Nadine Caron (Co-Project Leader), as needed.Supervision GivenThe incumbent provides shares expertise to project team members University students and other trainees participating on the project.Minimum QualificationsUndergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of 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 inclusionPreferred QualificationsMasters’ degree preferred in a scientific or policy-related field; Bachelors degree with domain experience will be consideredExperience working with Indigenous-related projects or organizations is an asset.Demonstrated experience preparing documents with extensive documentation of references and sourcesExperience in leading knowledge translation activities and developing educational toolsKeen interest in Indigenous health and community-based research.Previous experience providing healthcare or conducting research within Indigenous communities is preferred.Demonstrated ability to provide culturally safe interactions with Indigenous peoples.Demonstrated knowledge, experience and/or training in the ethical, social, and cultural issues around conducting research in Indigenous communities is required.Excellent interpersonal manner and communication skillsExcellent organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detailProficiency with Word software is required.Successful completion of Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) online tutorial (may be completed upon hiring)Successful completion of an Indigenous Cultural Safety Course (may be completed upon hiring)