nɬeʔkepmxcín Lab Research Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Research Assistant to work with the nɬeʔkepmxcín language. Responsibilities include transcribing and translating stories and conversations, proofreading work, and collaborating with community Elders. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the language and a commitment to equity and diversity. This part-time position offers a compensation range of $27.24 - $29.82 CAD hourly.

Qualifications

• High school graduation and a minimum of two years related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.
• Commitment to enhancing awareness related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Transcribe and translate nɬeʔkepmxcín stories and conversations.
• Proofread and check transcriptions and translations.
• Work with nɬeʔkepmx Elders to collect new stories.

Skills

Knowledge of nɬeʔkepmxcín

Attention to detail

Commitment to equity and diversity

Education

High school graduation

Additional training in a related field

Undergraduate degree in Linguistics or Speech Sciences

Job description

Overview

Staff - Union — Job Category CUPE 116. Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2. Job Title: nɬeʔkepmxcín Lab Research Assistant. Department: Research Support | Matthewson | Department of Linguistics. Compensation Range: $27.24 - $29.82 CAD Hourly. Posting End Date: October 1, 2025. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date: August 31, 2026. This is a part-time position of about 4 hours a week.

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 requires knowledge of the nɬeʔkepmxcín language. The work involves transcribing nɬeʔkepmxcín stories and conversations, translating nɬeʔkepmxcín stories and conversations, proofreading and checking transcriptions and translations done by others, and assisting with technical issues. It also involves working with nɬeʔkepmx Elders and fluent speakers to collect new stories or conversations, and to check transcriptions and translations.

Organizational Status

The job entails close collaboration with members of the nɬeʔkepmxcín lab (nɬab) in the Department of Linguistics.

Work Performed

• Transcribe and translate nɬeʔkepmxcín stories and conversations.
• Proofread and check transcriptions and translations done by others.
• Work with nɬeʔkepmx Elders and fluent speakers to collect new stories or conversations, and to check transcriptions and translations.
• Assist with technical issues including software relating to the transcription, translation and publication of nɬeʔkepmxcín stories and conversations.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This work requires considerable judgement in the management of language data and it also requires attention to detail and accuracy.

Confidentiality: Employees of the University of British Columbia always work under strict confidentiality because of the nature of the data holdings and participant populations.

Accuracy and Accountability: Accuracy is essential since errors may have implications for published reports, grant funding, data access, and public relations. The Research Assistant is responsible for checking the reliability and accuracy of work done and reporting challenges directly to their supervisor.

Supervision Received

The successful candidate will meet regularly with Lisa Matthewson, the PI of the project, and with other team members including graduate students and community language experts. Their work will be checked by more senior members of the team.

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

Knowledge of nɬeʔkepmxcín as determined either by postsecondary courses in nɬeʔkepmxcín at NVIT or UBC-O, or by a reference from an acknowledged expert in the language from the community such as Dr. Mandy Jimmie.

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Linguistics or Speech Sciences. The ideal candidate will have prior experience transcribing nɬeʔkepmxcín