Research Assistant - Why Network

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

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Please note that this is a part-time position at 0.6 FTE, equating to 22.5 hours per week.

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 Wellness, Health and Youth (WHY) Network will be a collaborative and equitable network of Indigenous youth in Canada, led by and for young people. The position outlined below entails the engagement phase of research, which is essential for meaningful community research. We are seeking a motivated and organized individual to join our team as a part-time Research Assistant for the WHY Network. The Research Assistant will play a pivotal role in assisting the Project Coordinator in establishing the Network Steering Committee, planning a gathering and knowledge translation activities aimed at empowering Indigenous youth and fostering meaningful engagement.

The Indigenous Health Equity Lab is an Indigenous-led program of research established to identify and inform the implementation of culturally safe and equitable health services, support reproductive justice, gender health equity, revitalize traditional Indigenous wellness practices, amplify Indigenous voices, and support Indigenous capacity building and mentorship. We are situated on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations.

The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the Project Coordinator to support research activities, including the development of region-specific youth engagement plans. They will collaborate with the team to plan and execute the Virtual Gathering, a pivotal event for networking, idea exchange, and knowledge translation. Responsibilities include assisting in the creation of the gathering agenda, planning activities, and meeting with key stakeholders to ensure successful event execution. The Research Assistant will also contribute to knowledge translation efforts by consolidating findings from the Virtual Gathering and other relevant sources into materials that support project goals. Additional responsibilities include providing support in writing reports, manuscripts, and grant applications to secure funding for the network's initiatives and activities. This position requires fostering strong relationships with community members and stakeholders while serving as a point of contact for project-related communication.

Supervised by and reporting to Dr. Brittany Bingham, the incumbent works closely with academic and clinical researchers, the Division of Social Medicine, the UBC Department of Medicine, WHRI staff, trainees, peer researchers, and a variety of community stakeholders.

Organizational Status
This UBC position/project working under Dr. Brittany Bingham is based at the Indigenous Health Equity Lab which is housed at the Women's Health Research Institute (WHRI), a UBC-affiliated academic research centre housed at BC Women's & Children's Hospital. The WHRI has a strategic mandate of leadership in promoting women's health, 2SLGBTQQIA+ health, gender equity and sexual health equity through in BC, Canada and globally. The WHRI is a network of members including UBC and SFU faculty, their UBC/SFU research teams, and affiliated trainees with shared mission and goals.

Work Performed

Support the Project Coordinator in conducting research activities that contribute to the development of region-specific youth engagement plans. Collaborate with the team to plan and execute the Virtual Gathering, a key event for networking and idea exchange and support development of gathering agenda and activities. Assists with talking circles, and data collection, following standard operating procedures. Drafts reports, manuscripts, and knowledge translation materials tailored to various audiences and assists with data analysis and manuscript preparation. Support Project Coordinator with logistics for community advisory and partner meetings, including preparation and delivery of materials and presentations, producing research meeting agendas, minutes, and summaries, and follow-up with relevant stakeholders. Performs other related duties as assigned.

The incumbent will work out of the Indigenous Health Equity Lab in designated, appropriate workspace at the WHRI office. Travel to communities for meetings will be required from time to time (as public health allows).

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position works with a high degree of independence and responsibility and exercises a considerable amount of judgement. Errors in judgment could result in serious financial or reputational consequences for the Lab, undermining the Labs ability to meet commitments and achieve its strategic objectives, including the inability to successfully meet granting agencies' deliverables. Inaccurate projections and forecasts could cause the Lab to make costly decisions regarding levels of investigator and staff resources and other support. Poor public/private sector relationships could result in a negative image of the Indigenous Health Equity Lab/ WHRI / UBC and may impact levels of research funding made available through partnerships. Errors could result in significant concerns regarding the liability, credibility and integrity of the Lab, WHRI, and UBC.

Supervision Received
Reports directly to the project lead, Dr. Brittany Bingham and Project Coordinator. Works under general direction within established policies, procedures, and standards. Work reviewed against task objectives and conformity to standards.

Supervision Given

May have supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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 field (e.g., Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Community Development) or equivalent experience and/or combination of related work experience in project coordination, research or other relevant frontline work.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Community knowledge or direct experience with communities marginalized due to social and economic disadvantage.
• Strong youth health, gender health equity, anti-oppressive and Indigenous cultural safety lens and knowledge and experience with underserviced populations.
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and ability to work independently with minimal supervision, following project Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels internally and externally.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment under deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to anti-oppression principles. Flexibility in hours and willingness to work at the Indigenous Health Equity Lab and support outreach and recruitment.
• Ability to maintain researcher-participant confidentiality.
• Computer skills including experience in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• We are prioritizing Indigenous, POC, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples, as well as other grounded expertise with human rights, Indigenous health, and youth health.

Priority will be given to those whose who identify as First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. We also encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, experience as a sex worker, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.