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

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 be involved in a full range of research activities within the Youth Action Studies research program. Responsibilities include transcription, de-identification, and data cleaning and management. Depending on the team’s needs, the role may also involve supporting data collection and analysis, assisting with participant interviews, and contributing to knowledge mobilization activities such as drafting academic manuscript(s) and reports for the funder.

Organizational Status
The MacIsaac School of Nursing at UBC is nationally and internationally recognized for research that sheds light on the health care experiences and outcomes of diverse socio-economic and demographic groups across Canada, and for developing health care and policy solutions to reduce health disparities and improve well-being across the lifespan. By merging clinical insight with advanced research approaches, our researchers integrate aspects of culture, socio-economic influences, gender, behavioural factors, policy environments, historical legacy, and shifting health services to design health interventions responsive to the circumstances of individuals, families, communities, and populations.

This position will be nested in the Youth Action Studies team. The overarching aim of this research team is to advance equity in youth health, mental health, substance use, and 2S/LGBTQ+ health fields by leveraging critical health and social science perspectives, emancipatory theories and methodologies, and the meaningful participation and expertise of youth who use drugs and/or experience mental health challenges.

This position reports directly to Dr. Trevor Goodyear and the Research Manager. The incumbent will attend regular team meetings to ensure effective communication, but the nature of the work also requires independent initiative and sound judgment. The role involves frequent interaction and collaboration with the research team and external stakeholders, including individuals with lived/living experience of substance use and/or mental health challenges, policy makers, service providers, and other researchers both within and outside the School of Nursing to plan and conduct research, manage data, analyze results, and develop knowledge products for dissemination.

Work Performed

• Transcribes audio-recorded interviews using an online automated service and checks transcripts for accuracy
• De-identifies transcripts and other research data in accordance with confidentiality and ethics protocol
• Cleans, manages, and organizes study data (e.g., transcripts, interview audio files, participant photos)
• Assists, as needed, with recruiting eligible participants and confirming eligibility, scheduling qualitative interviews, obtaining informed consent, and conducting interviews
• Assists with qualitative coding and analysis, as well as the development of academic publications and other knowledge mobilization materials.
• Performs other duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Working closely with other members of the research team, the Research Assistant ensures that study procedures are performed consistent with the study protocol and ethical guidelines. The Research Assistant is expected to work in a professional manner exercising poise and discretion especially when dealing with research participants, and with sensitive information. Inappropriate disclosure of research participants personal information would contravene privacy legislation and could result in legal action. Establishing effective working relationships within the team and with other stakeholders is essential in the success of the research program. Inability to establish and foster effective working relationships may affect the integrity of the program and the successful and timely completion of research projects. This could compromise the research team’s ability to secure funding for future projects, or to engage in multi-stakeholder projects in the future.

Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and the Research Manager.

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

• Lived experience as a member of, or experience working with, 2S/LGBTQ+ communities, especially transgender communities, is an asset
• Holds a completed undergraduate degree in a relevant health or social science discipline (e.g., public health, nursing, sociology, interdisciplinary studies)
• Previous experience in qualitative research is preferred
• Ability to exercise appropriate tact, discretion and confidentiality in all matters
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment
• Ability to effectively use computer software, such as MS Word and MS Excel
• Ability to learn new software, research methods, and work routines
• Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and respect when working with vulnerable populations
• Knowledge of 2S/LGBQTIA+ health, substance use, and harm reduction•Knowledge of research ethics and confidentiality requirements (e.g., TCPS 2)