Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 1

Job Title

Research Assistant

Department

Kerr Laboratory | BC Centre for Substance Use | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,109.47 - $4,507.06 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

June 4, 2026

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

Job End Date

July 14, 2027

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.

The purpose of this position is to assist with qualitative research activities associated with Drs. Thomas Kerr and Ryan McNeil's studies on the overdose crisis. The Research Assistant (RA) will chiefly analyze qualitative data. When required, the incumbent will undertake other research duties, including qualitative interviewing and data accuracy checking.

The Research Assistant will report to the Principal Investigators (PIs), Drs. Thomas Kerr and Ryan McNeil, and will work closely with the research manager, research staff and students on a regular basis.

Organizational Status

This position is located at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU), a provincially networked organization with a mandate to develop, help implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction. As a University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Centre, the BCCSU’s vision is to transform substance use policies and care in BC by translating research into education and evidence-based care guidance. By supporting the collaborative development of evidence-based policies, guidelines and standards, the BCCSU seeks to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of substance use, thereby serving all British Columbians. The BCCSU seeks to achieve these goals through integrated activities of its three core functions: research and evaluation, education and training, and clinical care guidance.

This position is located at BCCSU's Qualitative and Community-Based Research field office.

Work Performed

• Codes study data using the qualitative data analysis software, NVivo, under the guidance of the Principal Investigators or designate
• Assists with maintenance of study documentation and databases
• Recruits research participants and conducts qualitative interviews
• Processes automated transcription, checks for accuracy, ensures quality control of confidential data
• Conducts literature reviews and supports the development of academic outputs, including presentations and manuscripts
• Conducts other general research duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent is accountable for supporting research activities and the efficient maintenance of research data. Errors made could influence the data quality, timelines, and study integrity, and thus compromise the results of research projects. This would impact the credibility of the PI and other research team investigators.

Supervision Received
The Research Assistant will receive primary direction from PIs, Drs. Kerr and McNeil.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required. Clear understanding of the academic research process acquired through practical and/or academic experience, Knowledge of community health issues and familiarity with the community-based services for people who use drugs. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload, handle multiple assignments effectively, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated computer literacy with Microsoft Office suite (including Excel) and Endnote, and database management skills. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Training and/or experience in qualitative research methodologies is preferred, including experience using NVivo to thematically code data. Knowledge of social determinants of health, intersectionality (e.g., the intersections of gender inequality, racialization, and socio-economic marginalization), as well as an understanding of and sensitivity to diversity issues is an asset.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.