Research Assistant/Technician 1

Staff – Union

Job Category
CUPE 116

Job Profile
CUPE 116 Hourly – Research Assistant /Technician 1

Job Title
Research Assistant/Technician 1

Department
Research Werker & Language Science Program Department of Psychology

Compensation Range
$24.78 – $25.99 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date
April 5, 2024

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

Job End Date

Mar 20, 2025

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 (RA) will provide technical and research support for the Infant Studies Centre. The Infant Studies Centre is a diverse and bustling research centre (~30 members from various disciplines) in the Department of Psychology, studying how infants perceive speech and acquire language during the first few years of life. The RA will support all aspects of research including introductory computer coding and software support, managing online data collection via the ‘Lookit’ (https://lookit.mit.edu/) and RedCap; supporting data processing, coding, and analysis; as well as performing various administrative duties to ensure team members have access to information/resources and that project goals/timelines are reasonably met.
Organizational Status

Works under the direction of the laboratory supervisor. Interacts with student researchers and other members of the research team.
Work Performed

With ongoing guidance from the Research Manager and lab director, the RA will complete duties to support the activities of the lab, including:

• Training and assisting volunteer research assistants on routine project tasks (e.g., accessing our participant database; e-mailing/phoning participating families; sending e-gift cards to families).
– Organizing knowledge mobilization activities and talks.
– Maintaining and updating the lab director’s calendar and CVs.
– Implementing computer back-up procedures, and providing other basic computer support.
– Preparing documents for submission to the departmental AIR forms (e.g., VISA receipts, and reimbursements).
• Maintaining/updating study documentation (e.g., preparing ethics amendments, writing training materials, documenting procedures).
• Monitoring and assisting with participant recruitment and data entry, using shared databases and spreadsheets.
• Coding behavioural (infant looking-time) videos and performing basic data analysis.
– Assisting with technical set up of meeting spaces and basic troubleshooting with lab computers. Refers complex issues to department IT and follows up until resolved.
• Other duties as appropriate with this position level.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Much of the work is routine and follows established protocols, under the direct supervision of staff. That said, the RA is expected to exercise some initiative and judgment in establishing priorities, carrying out tasks to completion and determining when to alert supervisors to unforeseen issues. Indeed, there is room for individual initiative and a need to resolve problems using basic good judgment and common sense.
Supervision Received
The RA will work under the daily supervision of a staff member, the Research Manager and will receive regular direction from the lab director. The RA will also consult with senior lab members (i.e., postdoctoral fellows) on an as-needed basis.
Supervision Given
The RA may need to explain routine tasks to volunteers and ensure that they are carrying out procedures properly.
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

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Linguistics, Cognitive Systems, Music, or other relevant discipline is preferred. Experience working in the community – in particular, with parents, infants, and/or children – is an asset. Experience conducting behavioural research is an asset. Computer experience with both Mac and Windows, as is proficiency using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of FileMaker Pro, Graphics and Drawing programs, RedCap and/or ELAN is an asset.

Other qualifications:

1. Effective organizational skills and the ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

2. Ability to respect confidentiality and securely manage sensitive information.

3. Ability to communicate in English effectively, both verbally and in writing; fluency in a second language is an asset.

4. Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

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

6. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities, and to work effectively to meet deadlines and targets set by the lab director and the Research Manager.