Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

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

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Vancouver is seeking a part-time Research Assistant. This role involves data collection in Peru and requires fluency in both Spanish and English. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating with Indigenous communities. A Master's degree is preferred. Compensation ranges from $4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD monthly.

Qualifications

• The candidate must have a minimum of two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Participate in data collection activities with the research team.
• Translate communications between the Peru field site and research team.
• Be available for questions from Indigenous participants.

Skills

Fluency in Latin American Spanish

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Communication skills

Education

Masters degree

High school graduation with additional training

Job description

Overview

Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants • Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 • Job Title Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 • Department Research Group | Dr. Peter Cole | Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy

Compensation Range $4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date October 2, 2025

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

Job End Date September 30, 2026

This position is part time, 25% FTE, (9.375 hours per week) and the compensation will be prorated since this is a part time salaried position.

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 Research Assistant will work with the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (CI) for the Peru field site on a SSHRC-funded research project that takes place with Indigenous communities in the High Amazon of Peru. The Research Assistant will be located in Vancouver, but will be required to travel to Peru several times/year. His/her main roles will be to participate in data collection activities, and translation of communication between the UBC team members and the Indigenous Peruvian research assistants, Indigenous community members, and research administrator at the Peru field site.

Organizational Status

The Research Assistant will receive direct supervision from, and report to, Dr. Peter Cole.

Work Performed

• Participate in data collection activities with the research team and the Indigenous research partner communities at the Peru field site, as well as Zoom meetings with the Indigenous participants when not at the field site.
• Translate written and oral communications between the Peru field site and the research team.
• Be available to the Indigenous participants and community members at the Peru field site who may have questions about the study.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work requires a high level of judgment, initiative, attention to detail and high standards of quality. Poor judgment, errors and delays can result in opportunities being missed, and deadlines not being met. Failure to act in a professional, tactful manner will have an adverse effect on the image and reputation of the Supervisor. Exercises judgment and initiative by independently carrying out projects and while assessing and establishing priorities.

Supervision Received

Works independently under general supervision. Performs familiar duties independently and in accordance with broadly established procedures and practices requiring initiative to plan and complete recurring assignments independently, and judgment to determine which of many methods are applicable in any given situation.

Supervision Given

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

• Masters degree or equivalency to be determined by the PI.
• Fluency in Latin American Spanish and English; some fluency in Quechua preferred.
• Knowledge of the cultural protocols of conducting research with oral Indigenous communities in Peru.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, but in close cooperation with the Indigenous communities and other members of the research team. Willingness to travel to Peru several times a year for 7-21 day periods.