Research Assistant

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried – Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Assistant

Department
Research Support Digital Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$4,207.63 – $5,005.45 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
March 28, 2024

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

Job End Date

Apr 1, 2025

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 work as part of the Digital Emergency Medicine research team in the Department of Emergency Medicine to support digital health projects focused on three broad areas: technology-enabled innovations in health practice and education contexts, multi-channel community engagement to support health education and patient centred care, and digital health innovation and collaborative partnerships. The incumbent will work on various digital health projects involving both quantitative and qualitative methods and will be involved in evaluating the efficacy of digital health interventions. This research portfolio includes projects that relate to initiatives involving learning technologies, program evaluation, and community-based health research. The incumbent will also be asked to assist in the development of funding proposals for the Office.
Organizational Status

The vision of the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine is to be a provincially integrated Department committed to clinical and academic leadership in the creation and exchange of knowledge to promote excellence in emergency care. Our 600+ faculty members across the province have had an impressive record of research and discovery. Our research and innovation initiatives include 14 successful programs related to prevention of emergencies, improving clinical care, and system improvements.

The Digital Emergency Medicine research program, led by Dr. Kendall Ho, conducts research on the use of digital technologies to improve healthcare delivery and raising digital health literacy. Digital Emergency Medicine carries out research, community engagement, and educational activities to explore how modern information and communication technologies (e.g. mobile and web-based applications, etc.) can improve health care.

This positions report to the Research Coordinator and may take direction from others on a project basis. The incumbent interacts with research team members, faculty, project managers, and other personnel associated with specific projects. The incumbent may interact with community organizations, health professionals, clinical groups, patients and community members, government representatives, and other stakeholder groups.

Work Performed

• Assists in planning research project activities including organizing and documenting meetings, and communicating with diverse project partners.

• Conducts literature searches, as well as reviews and assists with the synthesis of literature.

• Assists with data collection by co-facilitating focus groups, conducting interviews and administering surveys

• Assists in data preparation, collection, entry, and analysis

• Supports the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations.

• Assists in the development of funding proposal by investigating applicable funding opportunities, searching and compiling submission criteria, completing funding application forms and documents, drafting components of letters of intent, and drafting full proposals.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The direction of the research initiatives will be discussed at regular meetings with research team members. Regular reporting will also be required to stakeholder groups as defined by each specific component of the research projects. This position requires working effectively within an organizational structure as well as some degree of self-direction. The Research Assistant will be required to show judgment and decision making which has the potential to impact the reputation of Digital Emergency Medicine’s product viability, and the opportunity for future research development. The exercise of poor judgment and lack of consultation with supervisors could adversely affect the viability and validity of research projects or programs. Continued adverse effects to the Office’s research projects could negatively affect the ability of Digital Emergency Medicine to obtain funding for future research projects.
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.

Supervision Given

May distribute work assignments to students and subordinates and provide training to new employees.
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

Education: High School graduation. Undergraduate degree in an area of social science or health science with research experience preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge and understanding of basic social science research methods. Experiences with BC health professional organizations, Aboriginal health, cross-cultural projects, and interprofessional collaboration are assets. Preference will be given to candidates with some grant writing experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to effectively use computer software, such as MS Office, data analysis software, familiarity with online literature search tools.

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to show initiative and judgment.

• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.