Health Research & Policy, Software Developer

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Health Research & Policy Software Developer/Technician to design, develop, and evaluate digital tools for health research and policy impact. You will support multi-country teams helping with vital signs monitoring, data collection, and patient risk assessment.

You will work on inclusive, user-centered software, with emphasis on ethics and equity in digital health, collaborating with researchers, clinicians, designers and engineers across the

Qualifications

• Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program with 4+ years of related experience or a graduate degree.
• Proficient in Python, JavaScript, R, SQL and web technologies; experience with React Native is a plus.
• Experience with UX research, usability testing, accessibility (WCAG), and human-centered design.
• Knowledge of APIs, authentication, HTTPS, and security best practices.
• Experience with back-end development, databases, and modern web frameworks.
• Strong communication and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams; commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design and test software applications, data pipelines, and dashboards for pediatric research and policy analysis.
• Integrate, clean and maintain health data ensuring privacy and responsible data stewardship.
• Implement data-driven or AI-enabled features under supervision of senior staff.
• Document code, workflows and decisions to support transparency and reproducibility.
• Oversee usability testing and user research with clinicians, researchers, policymakers and community users.
• Ensure ethical and responsible AI practices; translate research needs into technical requirements.
• Provide training to designers and researchers on user-centered and accessibility-informed design.
• Develop prototypes and wireframes based on research findings; iterate with feedback.

Skills

Python

JavaScript

R

SQL

UX research

Usability testing

Web technologies

APIs/authentication/security

Back-end development

HCI / UX design

EDI principles

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

React Native

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4 Job Title Health Research & Policy, Software Developer Department Wiens Laboratory | Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $5,538.94 - $6,497.44 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 20, 2026 Job End Date September 8, 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

The primary focus of this position will be to support the Principal Investigator and multi-country research team in the design, development, and evaluation of digital tools that enable health research, inform policy, and advance equitable health outcomes. This role sits at the intersection of software development, usability research, and health policy, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, user-centered, and ethical technology. The incumbent will assist with the software development for multiple research projects for vital signs monitoring, data collection, and patient risk assessment. This includes assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of research software. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to shape the future of Global Health applications and make a meaningful impact. The research team focuses on a number of global health initiatives in newborn and child health coordinated centrally from the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The incumbent will work closely with researchers, clinicians, community partners, policy experts, designers, and senior engineers. The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

Organizational Status

The Institute for Global Health (IGH) brings together researchers at C&W, UBC, and global partners to improve children’s and women’s health around the world. We are committed to innovation and strengthening local and international capacity through research education and partnerships. IGH is supported in collaboration with the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology and many others.

Work Performed

• Develop, design and test software applications, data pipelines, and dashboards used in pediatric clinical research and policy analysis
• Integrate, clean and maintain health-related datasets, ensuring data quality, privacy, and responsible data stewardship
• Implement data-driven or AI-enabled features under the guidance of senior technical staff
• Document code, workflows, and technical decisions to support transparency, reproducibility, and knowledge sharing
• Oversee and conduct usability testing and user research activities (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing sessions) with clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and community users
• Research and determine the applicability of electronic medical record systems, and other applications that support pediatric research objectives in health facilities located in resource limited settings
• Oversee the synthesis and progress of user feedback to identify usability issues, accessibility barriers, and opportunities for improvement
• Provide instruction and training to designers and researchers to incorporate user-centered and accessibility-informed design principles into digital tools
• Develop and iterate low- to mid-fidelity prototypes, wireframes, or user flows based on research findings
• Apply an equity-oriented and inclusive lens to software development and user research, with attention to accessibility, cultural safety, and diverse user needs
• Oversee and ensure the use of ethical and responsible AI practices, including awareness of bias, fairness, and transparency in data and algorithms
• Work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams, translating research and policy needs into technical and usability requirements
• Participate in team meetings, code reviews, and continuous learning activities
• Engage respectfully with community and health system partners, valuing lived experience and diverse perspectives

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Senior Manager and/or Principal Investigator will monitor the work of the incumbent. Errors or incorrect decisions could potentially result in delays in completing the project or seriously compromise the quality of the research. In addition, if established protocols related to privacy, confidentiality, and safety are not followed confidentiality about sensitive information related to patients' personal health and experiences could be breached.

Supervision Received

The incumbent will work under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions on unusual or complex problems, and exercising a considerable amount of autonomy, discretion, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods. This position will report to and be supervised by the Senior Managers and the Principal Investigators of the project. They, in conjunction with the investigative team, will provide direction to the incumbent.

Supervision Given

This position may supervise a research assistants and trainees (RA Tech 3/work learn students) at a lower classification and have input into their performance evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, R, and SQL
• Experience developing Android mobile web apps using React Native, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML
• Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation
• Experience with UX research, usability, accessibility standards (WCAG), and human-centered design
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in interdisciplinary and community-based teams
• Experience with health data, mixed-methods research, evaluation frameworks, and applied AI/machine learning
• Understanding of ethics, equity, and policy considerations in digital health and AI
• Knowledge of web technologies, APIs, authentication, HTTPS, and security protocols
• Experience with back-end development, databases, and modern web frameworks
• Understanding of HCI, user-centered interaction design, and graphic design principles
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles

Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.

An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].