Research Assistant/ Technician 1

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 1

Job Title
Research Assistant/ Technician 1

Department
Sassi Laboratory | Department of Psychiatry | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$24.55 - $26.93 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date
April 17, 2024

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

Job End Date

Jan 7, 2025

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

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 report to Dr. Roberto Sassi, Chair of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division of the UBC Department of Psychiatry, with co-supervision by Drs. Martha J. Ignaszewski, Senior Medical Director of Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders at BCCH, and Michael Krausz, LEEF Chair in Addiction Research with UBC Psychiatry. The role of the research manager is to support the development of an academic research program regarding youth substance use and concurrent disorders, focusing on youth and families who are at high risk of overdose.

The Research Assistant is an active member of the substance use research team and will focus on key projects.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of senior research coordinators.

Organizational Status
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of senior research coordinators as well as report directly to Dr. Sassi and Dr. Ignaszewski, and will work closely with Dr. Krausz and the research team. The Research Assistant liaises with BC Children’s Research Institute, and UBC research administrative units including the Office of Research Services, the Research Ethics Board, and the Faculty of Medicine’s Research Office.
Work Performed

The duties of the successful candidate will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the data collection, organization and preparation of data related to youth substance use disorders through various research methods

• Perform literature reviews online or in the library to maintain awareness of current research trends and findings, contributing to the development of the research plan and framework

• Provide administrative support to research meetings, including maintaining accurate records and database

• Assist with the recruitment of participants for research studies, ensuring ethical and informed consent processes are followed

• Assist with the preparation of instruments for data collection

• Collaborate with other team members to enhance the impact and scope of research projects

• Assist with preparation of research reports, presentations, and manuscripts for presentation, publication and grant submissions documents

• Performs other related duties to support the smooth running of the research program

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Assistant is required to conduct all research activities in an ethical manner. Patient confidentiality must be respected when dealing with research data. Errors made could influence the ability of research staff to meet critical deadlines, as well as compromise the results of research projects, and therefore impact the credibility of the investigators. As data and results may be disseminated to other research partners, their results and credibility can be negatively influenced by the researcher's error. Professionalism is of the utmost importance. The person will also be required to exercise good judgment and discretion while using confidential information.
Supervision Received
Regular direction and bi-weekly supervision will be provided by Drs. Sassi, Ignaszewski and Krausz. The post-holder will have access to consistent supervision and guidance from the research team, and will work closely with the senior research post-holder, working under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities.
Supervision Given
As above. More frequent meetings can be arranged as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

• BA degree in psychology or allied topics would be an asset;

• Experience working on research programs; personal experience with youth with mental health or substance use problems;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;

• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and efficient.