Research Assistant

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

Position is part-time at 30 hours per week and compensation will be prorated to 80%.

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 Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) and the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health (CEIH) are two research centers at the School of Population and Public Health at UBC and for this project, are partnering for a Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) initiative, funded by Faculty of Medicine for 2 years, entitled, "Roots: An Indigenous Partnered Research Circle." This initiative serves to grow the Roots Circle, a pilot project serving to build capacity amongst the UBC health research community to partner with Indigenous communities, organizations, and collectives (ICCOs) in a good way. "A good way" refers to an approach that puts ICCO needs at the forefront of the work, centers Indigenous methodologies, and acts in accordance with procedures and protocols put forth by the community or nation(s) involved. This position will support the project coordinator in planning and facilitating 8 Roots Circles per year to bring together researchers, faculty, staff, and students interested or engaged in Indigenous-led research.

Organizational Status
This position reports to Dr. Martin Guhn and will work closely with project team members of CEIH and HELP.

Work Performed

Major responsibilities may include:

Project support in line with the deliverables delineated above, including:

• Provide oversight and support for all events including planning, scheduling and execution of events.
• Provide logistical support ensuring all promotional materials, resources and materials are prepared for participants.
• Support the Coordinator to organize and conduct key events with Indigenous partners, Elders, community members, researchers and faculty ensuring all align with Indigenous priorities, values, and cultural protocols are respected during proceedings.
• Provide direction with outreach strategies liaising with researchers and key audiences to encourage participation.
• Prepares reports documenting event outcomes for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Maintains and updates website.
• Support grant applications and reporting processes related to project funding.
• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of the positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The quality, ethics, integrity, and accuracy of CEIH's and HELP's work are critical to CEIH's and HELP's integrity. Inappropriate or inaccurate statements may affect the image and reputation of CEIH and HELP, and UBC as a whole. The incumbent makes professional decisions and recommendations on all aspects of research work and is responsible for the quality of research activities.

Supervision Received
Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities under the direction of the Dr. Martin Guhn, the Research Coordinator and project team.

Supervision Given
None.

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

Proven ability to work successfully with a wide range of groups and individuals, including community groups, researchers, university administration, and the public sector. Professional experience in a health- or wellness-related area and/or experience with Indigenous health/wellness initiatives preferred. Experience of previous work for, or in partnership with, Indigenous organizations (e.g., FNHA) or communities will be a strong asset.

Skills

• Knowledge of and interest in health equity and wellness concepts and principles from an Indigenous perspective
• Knowledge and understanding of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and social determinants of health
• Ability to coordinate work processes
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Self-motivation and ability to work well with minimal supervision
• Must be highly organized with the ability to prioritize assignments; including ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritize to handle work volume, and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail necessary
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Experience with standard computer software applications (e.g., word, PowerPoint, excel)