Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
April 30, 2027
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 Project Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Research Manager, and members of the research team on projects related to Indigenous health.
This is a unique opportunity to assist the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC. The Principal Investigator (Dr. Nadine Caron) is working towards a better understanding to prevent and address cancers while optimizing wellness among Indigenous peoples in Canada. With the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia being the site for the Northern Biobank Initiative and the Northern BC First Nations Biobank Initiative, the Project Assistant may also be assisting in any biobank activities that take place in Prince George. Additional research projects within the Chair portfolio may also involve this Project Assistant.
Organizational Status
This project operates out of the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH), Faculty of Medicine, at the Vancouver Campus of the University of British Columbia. The research team consists of Principal Investigator, Dr. Nadine Caron and Chair Research Manager, Dr. Prince Andrew, among others. The Project Assistant will be located in the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC).
Housed within the Faculty of Medicine, the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) is an innovative unit that encompasses many of the health-related groupings at UBC as a collaborative venture. The School is structured around four divisions: Occupational and Environmental Health; Health Services and Policy; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Practice; and Health in Populations. The resulting mix of professions and disciplines is seen as a means of connecting individuals and learners to galvanize the relationship between health research, public health and health services and to enhance learning.
Work Performed
The Project Assistant will perform the following duties:
Conducting literature searches and investigations.
Contributing to the research communications, by assisting with identifying locations to share ongoing research, basic and routine support in funding applications, participating in community outreach with partners, and maintaining websites.
Assisting with preparing and editing reports by double-checking tables, sourcing photos or images from events, and typesetting the final reports as directed.
Supporting outreach and engagement activities (may include interactions with health care staff, patients and families, researchers) by compiling slides for presentations delivered by others, and participating in Indigenous events and community events.
Assisting researchers and Chair team members with research administration and project work by planning meetings, taking down minutes at meetings, assisting in project tasks including community preparation (such as obtaining gifts for Indigenous Elders, researching community protocols).
Assisting with Workday tasks related to Chair including submissions of reimbursement requests.
Organizing and/or participating in meetings (including weekly staff meetings) at request of Chair and managers including taking notes and creating progress reports.
Engaging in monthly 1:1s with the Research Manager to ensure optimal challenge and professional growth are being achieved.
Other duties as required and assigned.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Under direct supervision of the Chair Research Manager and First Nations Biobank Research Manager for Biobank related project tasks, the Project Assistant performs routine tasks of moderate complexity. Errors made could influence the timely completion of work and compromise the results of research projects, impacting the credibility of the research team.
Supervision Received
The Research Assistant reports to the Chair Research Manager and the Biobank Research Manager.
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
Respect for Indigenous Peoples and willingness to learn about Indigenous Peoples’ history in Canada and Indigenous health is required.
General understanding of Indigenous health would be a strong asset.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
The capacity to interface with technology.
Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Workday.
Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
Must be able to work flexible hours.
Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
Experience interacting with health care providers and patients, conducting literature reviews.