Graduate Program Assistant

Simon Fraser University; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian research university in Burnaby is seeking a Graduate Program Assistant to provide essential administrative support for the Physics graduate programs. The role entails responding to inquiries, maintaining records, and coordinating events to create a supportive environment for students and faculty. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a background in administrative support and office applications. Competitive benefits and a hybrid work program are offered.

Benefits

3 weeks’ vacation

Hybrid-work program

Employer paid pension plan

On-campus tuition waiver

Funding for professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of administrative experience.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, office procedures.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and clerical support for graduate programs.
• Respond to inquiries regarding admissions and course registration.
• Maintain accurate student and program records.
• Coordinate departmental events and meetings.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills (oral and written)

Ability to record and transcribe meeting minutes

Ability to use standard information systems

Mature judgment and initiative

Arithmetic calculations

Education

High school graduation

General courses or training in office applications

Tools

PeopleSoft SIMS

GoGrad

GA3

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The Department of Physics is a hub for exciting research in areas like Quantum Matter and Materials, Quantum Information, Biophysics, Particle Physics and Cosmology. We are all about creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can thrive. Our graduate programs provide close collaboration with leading researchers and access to world-class facilities, preparing students to contribute to major international projects and advance their own ideas. With a strong focus on mentorship, innovation, and interdisciplinary work, graduate students are an integral part of the department’s research community.

About the Role

The Graduate Program Assistant (GPA) provides comprehensive administrative and clerical support for the Physics graduate programs. Acting as the first point of contact, the GPA responds to inquiries regarding admissions, course registration, program requirements, thesis defences, and graduate funding. The role involves maintaining accurate student and program records, preparing correspondence and reports, coordinating departmental events and meetings, and updating promotional materials and web content. This position plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the graduate program, maintaining compliance with university policies, and fostering a supportive environment for students and faculty.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

High school graduation and general courses or training of moderate duration (one semester/equivalent) in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and web content editing applications, and office procedures. Minimum 3 years of experience. An equivalent combination of formal education, certificate/program of study and experience is acceptable.

• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and communication (oral and written) skills.
• Ability to record and transcribe meeting minutes with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to use standard information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft SIMS, GoGrad, GA3) to look up information, enter data, and generate reports at an intermediate level.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations with a high degree of accuracy.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338):

• 3 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefitpension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Funding for professional development expenses*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

For external candidates, the starting salary is the first step of the salary range.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].