Research Assistant

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Research Assistant

Department

Cedar Project | School of Population and Public Health | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$26.67 - $31.73 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date

September 11, 2025

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

Job End Date

September 15, 2026

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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 will provide research support to the Cedar Project and Cango Lyec Study by assisting with analyses and paper writing for journal publication. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for performing literature reviews and assisting in grant writing and fundraising toward any future related study activities.

Organizational Status

Under the direction of Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Patricia Spittal, the Cedar Project is a community-based research initiate that addresses Hepatitis C and HIV vulnerabilities among young Indigenous people who use illicit drugs in British Columbia, Canada.

Under the direction of Principal Investigator, Dr. Patricia Spittal, The Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) Project is a prospective cohort involving conflict-affected populations in Northern Uganda.

The position is in the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH), which is in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The School is a vibrant interdisciplinary academic environment where the next generation of public health researchers and practitioners are trained to generate new knowledge and translate it into action, focused on improving and sustaining the health of local, national and international populations.

Work Performed

The Research Assistant will perform the following duties:
- Assist Statistician with data cleaning and preliminary analyses towards Cango Lyec paper submissions- Lead paper submissions to peer reviewed journals through paper development, writing, and submission for Cedar Project and Cango Lyec.- Assist with grant writing for the Cango Lyec Study- Perform other related duties as necessary

Consequence of Error/Judgement

A high level of judgment is needed for functions associated with this position. Inadequate documentation, organization, communication and planning may adversely affect the image and reputation of the research team, SPPH and the Faculty of Medicine.

The incumbent will require mínimal supervision and will exercise a great deal of independent judgment regarding scheduling and timely completion of tasks.

This position will be responsible for access, collection, use and disclosure of personal information in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RSBC 1996) and other UBC privacy and security policies. This position requires employees to work under strict confidentiality requirements; internal procedures and policies to protect personal information must be followed and adherence to these requirements will be regularly reviewed by the employer.

Supervision Received
The Research Assistant will report to the Patricia Spittal and Anton Friedman.

Supervision Given

Not Applicable.

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- Post-secondary education preferred- Experience with conducting literature reviews and preparing annotated bibliographies- Strong written, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills- Ability to exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy- Innovative and creative thinking and a logical approach to problem solving- Evidence of self-directed, self-motivated and independent work skills- Ability to multi-task and prioritize- Advanced computer skills including MS Office and Adobe Acrobat.- Strong understanding of cultural safety and impacts of racism on health outcomes- Demonstrated willingness to work and support peoples with addiction, free of shame or judgement and the ability to be kind and truthful