Communications Project Assistant

Desired skills:

• Digital communications and content creation
• UX/UI design and user experience optimization
• Basic website editing and content management
• Graphic design (e.g., Canva, Figma, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Digital communication strategy and engagement analytics
• Science communication and plain-language writing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative teamwork in multidisciplinary environments
• Organizational skills and attention to detail

Job Description

The Gynecologic Cancer Initiative (GCI) is a province-wide effort to accelerate transformative research in the prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship of gynecologic cancers. By leveraging the exceptional talent and rich research environment across British Columbia, the GCI has built a collaborative framework that unites researchers, clinicians, trainees and knowledge users. Our mission is bold and focused: to reduce the incidence and mortality of gynecologic cancers by 50% by 2034. The GCI is powered by the determination, talent, and passion of its people. We believe that through a team-oriented culture grounded in scientific excellence, innovation, and impact, that we can tackle the most challenging problems.

We are currently seeking Communications Project Assistant to support a range of communications initiatives, including developing and coordinating digital content across GCI's website, social media platforms, newsletters, and e-blasts. The candidate will work closely with the Knowledge Mobilization Team and collaborate across a multidisciplinary network of researchers, trainees, and patient partners. For more information on GCI please visit:

Work Performed

The candidate will collaborate closely with the Knowledge Mobilization Team and will be supervised by the Knowledge Mobilization Manager, with additional support from the Executive Director as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and produce content for GCI's website and social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn) to share news, events, and research highlights
• Develop and coordinate the release of newsletters and e-blasts, including managing and updating mailing lists
• Support communications campaigns by interviewing knowledge producers (clinicians, researchers, trainees) and knowledge users (people with lived/living experience, community partners, clinicians, policy makers) to develop written and visual content highlighting advocacy efforts, research findings, and events
• Update and maintain website pages
• Apply UX/UI design principles to enhance user experience across all communications projects.
• Design and produce promotional materials for conferences, campaigns, and special projects
• Monitor and report on analytics across communications channels; recommend strategies to enhance engagement and reach
• Assist in translating complex scientific information into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences
• Capture and produce photo and video content at events and outreach activities
• Collaborate with the Knowledge Mobilization Team and attend weekly team meetings

Qualifications

• Current UBC student (open to undergraduate and graduate trainees in any discipline)
• Experience with design software (e.g., Canva, Figma, Photoshop, InDesign) and web platforms (e.g., WordPress, content management systems)
• Understanding of user experience and UX/UI design principles
• Experience creating written and visual communications content
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex information clearly and concisely
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects
• Collaborative, creative, and open-minded
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including patients, students, researchers, and clinicians

Contribution to the University community

Through this role, the student will:

• Enhance knowledge translation of gynecologic cancer research conducted across BC
• Support communications across multiple GCI platforms (website, social media, newsletters, blogs, YouTube)
• Apply user experience and UX/UI principles to improve accessibility and audience engagement across GCI's digital platforms
• Contribute to a provincial initiative connecting researchers, clinicians, patients, and communities to accelerate gynecologic cancer research and outcomes

Student Learning Components

Supervision & Training

• Orientation and ongoing mentorship from the Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator, with additional guidance from the Executive Director as needed.
• Weekly check-ins will provide space for feedback, skill development, and reflection on professional growth.
• Exposure to diverse perspectives from various knowledge producers (clinicians, researchers, trainees) and knowledge users (people with lived/living experience, community partners, clinicians, policy makers), enhancing collaborative skillset.
• Training will include the end-to-end communications project development process, encompassing strategic planning, content creation, and knowledge translation best practices.

Connections & Learning

• Collaborate within a large multidisciplinary research network, including researchers, physicians, patient partners, trainees, and research staff.
• Build professional connections and receive mentorship from UBC research faculty and communications professionals.
• Engage with key provincial and national partners, including Ovarian Cancer Canada, BC Cancer, Women's Health Research Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, and BRCAinBC.
• Develop a diverse skill set in digital design, UX/UI application, and science communication to amplify research impact and reach targeted audiences.

Career Exploration

• Gain hands-on experience in science communication and knowledge mobilization within a real-world health research setting.
• Build a professional portfolio showcasing creative and strategic communications work.
• Strengthen skills in engagement, collaboration, and translating complex research into accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Enhance understanding of communications careers within academia, health research, and the non-profit sector.