Behavioural Public Policy Lab Manager

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Vancouver is seeking a Lab Manager for the Behavioural Public Policy Lab. This role involves managing research projects at the intersection of behavioural science and public policy, fostering partnerships with governments and nonprofits. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, a relevant degree, and a commitment to equity and inclusion in research.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including those in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain policies for research project administration and organization.
• Manage budget forecasts, monitor expenditures, and develop financial reports.
• Prepare project documentation and support knowledge mobilization activities.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level A Job Title Behavioural Public Policy Lab Manager Department Research | Hopkins | Department of Political Science Compensation Range $5,365.42 - $7,709.92 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date August 25, 2025

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

Job End Date

December 31, 2026

This is a full-time term position ending on Dec 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

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 Behavioural Public Policy Lab, led by Dr. Vince Hopkins in UBC’s Department of Political Science, is hiring a Lab Manager to help drive high-impact research at the intersection of behavioural science, inequality, and public policy.

The Lab works directly with governments, nonprofits, and community organizations to design and test real-world solutions, like simplifying access to employment programs or increasing civic participation among newcomers. Most of our work is experimental, policy-relevant, and grounded in partnerships. We’re looking for a proactive, detail-oriented Lab Manager who can help keep our research moving. You’ll support everything from project planning and grant coordination to partner engagement and knowledge translation. We’re looking for someone who’s self-motivated, organized, and excited about making policy better for the people it’s meant to serve.

Organizational Status
The Lab Manager will be based in the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia and will report directly to Dr. Vincent Hopkins. They will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of student researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and external partners (e.g., community organizations, nonprofit leaders, government agencies). This role sits at the heart of a growing research network focused on tackling real-world policy challenges.

Work Performed

Project Management and Administration

• Responsible for developing and maintaining policies and procedures for the efficient administration, organization and operation of various research projects;

• Creates, develops and manages a database of co-applicants, collaborators, partners, and other affiliates;

• Builds and maintains the Lab’s online presence, including the website;

• Communicates regularly via video conferencing, phone, and e-mail with project team members, including partners, to gather and disseminate project updates;

• Assists with drafting and submitting grant applications as well as ethics applications, supporting data-sharing agreements, and ensures compliance with university policies.

Finance & Budget

• Develops budget forecasts, and manages and monitors expenditures;

• Synthesizes and analyzes financial data and prepares reports to support budgetary decision-making;

• Investigates new sources of funding and coordinates funding transfers between UBC and partner institutions;

• Liaises with university units and funding sources to ensure compliance with agreements/contracts.

Communications

• Prepares, composes, edits and proofs project documentation such as scientific manuscripts and communications related to knowledge translation

• Supports knowledge mobilization, by assisting with the creation of briefings, client presentations and stakeholder liaison;

• Develops, organizes and implements knowledge translation activities, including planning events open to the university community and the public.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors, incorrect work or decisions, or poor judgment could result in lost opportunities, damage to the reputation of the project, breakdown in partnerships, or other serious impacts on the research project and future funding opportunities.

Supervision Received
Works under general direction within established policies, procedures and standards. The incumbent will receive instruction from the Dr. Hopkins when new duties are assigned and when unusual problems arise, but will also work with some latitude. The incumbent must exercise initiative and sound judgment.

Supervision Given
May from time-to-time oversee the work of students, employees on contract, or consultants.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of 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

• Demonstrated experience managing projects and complex assignments

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with proven ability to juggle competing priorities

• Experience working in a university, nonprofit, or government setting

• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders

• Demonstrated interest in applied social research or behavioural science

• Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

• Familiarity with university research processes (e.g., ethics, finance, research agreements)

• Experience supporting public-facing or government-funded research projects

• Lived experience relevant to the Lab’s focus on equity and access to public services