Climate Research Assistant

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research university in Vancouver is seeking a Climate Research Assistant to analyze how beneficial management practices impact farm sustainability. The role involves validating datasets, conducting statistical analyses, and generating insights through GIS visualizations. Candidates should have experience in quantitative analysis, preferably in agricultural datasets, and possess strong skills in R and Python. This position requires a commitment to equity and diverse perspectives within the research environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Clean and validate survey datasets for analysis.
• Assist with conducting regression analysis and other statistical tests.
• Generate GIS‑based visualizations and spatial analysis.

Skills

Quantitative statistical analysis

R

Python

GIS tools

Written communication

Education

Advanced degree in economics, sociology, psychology, geography, or related field

High school graduation with additional training

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job ProfileNon Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Climate Research Assistant Department ACARN | Smukler Research Group | Applied Biology Program | Faculty of Land and Food Systems Compensation Range $26.67 - $31.73 CAD Hourly Posting End Date December 25, 2025

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

Job End Date

February 28, 2027

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

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

This position will contribute to the evaluation of how beneficial management practices (BMPs) impact farm profitability, risk, and long-term sustainability, and report on the behavioral and social factors influencing adoption. They will review, clean, and analyze socio-economic data collected from farmers and commodity groups.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the ACARN Network Manager (a UBC staff position) and works closely with the Project Manager, working directly with industry partners to design and deliver surveys and interviews. Dr. John Janmaat, UBC Okanagan, is advising on the project to provide technical expertise. The project team will also work closely with Agriculture & Agri‑Food Canada and industry representatives to integrate socioeconomic research into the Living Lab trials and activities.

Work Performed

The Climate Research Assistant will be responsible for providing support on comparing and contrasting economic data across commodities, quantitative analysis of survey and interview data, conducting advanced statistical modelling, and generating insights for the final socio‑economic report.

Key Responsibilities

• Review project documentation and data protocols provided by the research team.
• Clean and validate survey datasets for analysis.
• Assist with conducting regression analysis and other statistical tests across up to seven commodity groupings and associated BMPs.
• Assist with applying advanced modelling techniques, such as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), to explore the behavioral drivers of BMP adoption.
• Compare and contrast economic data collected from commodity groups to identify patterns and differences in BMP impacts on profitability, risk, and sustainability.
• Generate GIS‑based visualizations and spatial analysis where relevant.
• Prepare graphs, tables, and written summaries for commodity‑specific and cross‑sector comparisons.
• Collaborate with the ACARN socio‑economics team and project manager to produce final summaries for partners and public dissemination.
• Participate in regular meetings with the ACARN socio‑economics team.
• Ensure compliance with UBC ethics requirements for data handling and confidentiality.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

When developing data summaries and applying regression models, the Climate Research Assistant will determine fit and appropriateness, drawing upon outside expertise when necessary. They must decide on how best to use time efficiently and multi‑task with a high level of self‑motivation and organization. New and unusual problems must be brought to the Network Manager and/or project manager’s attention. Inappropriate judgement will cause missing data or biased results, missed deadlines, and/or delayed timelines in the research projects, which may impact funding access and ability to complete the research.

Supervision Received

Reports to BC Agricultural Climate Action Research Network Manager, Love‑Ese Chile.

Supervision Given

None.

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

• Advanced degree (PhD or near completion) in economics, sociology, psychology, geography, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative statistical analysis, including regression and SEM.
• Strong skills in R, Python, or similar statistical software.
• Excellent written communication and ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights.
• Completion of the TCPS2 Research Ethics tutorial is required before starting the project.
• Experience working with agricultural datasets or rural socio‑economic research.
• Proficiency in GIS tools for spatial data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a short‑term, high‑impact project.
• Interest in climate change adaptation and agricultural sustainability.