Research Assistant

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

Job summary

An innovative institution is looking for a Research Assistant to contribute to a vital project focusing on perinatal data enhancement. This role involves collaborating with a dedicated team to identify key variables, conduct stakeholder analysis, and develop strategic recommendations. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience in public health research while working under the guidance of experienced professionals. If you are passionate about improving health outcomes and have a keen interest in data analysis, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a diverse and inclusive environment where your contributions will make a significant impact on public health initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school graduation with 2 years of related experience or equivalent.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Create a list of variables from CIHI for perinatal research.
• Conduct a Delphi analysis for data field consensus.
• Develop a policy brief for key stakeholders.

Skills

Online data source searching

Knowledge of perinatal conditions

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Teamwork

Ability to take direction

Task prioritization

Education

High school graduation

MPH or MSc in Public Health

Perinatal epidemiology course

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category: Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile: Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title: Research Assistant

Department: Janssen Laboratory | School of Population and Public Health | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range: $26.67 - $31.73 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date: April 17, 2025

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

Job End Date: Jul 31, 2025

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 Research Assistant will participate in developing a set of variables currently available in the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) suitable for a Canadian Perinatal Data set and conduct a Delphi process to determine priority variables to be added to this data set.

Organizational Status:

This project operates out of the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH), Faculty of Medicine, at the Vancouver Campus of the University of British Columbia. The research team consists of Principal Investigator, Patricia Janssen and Research Manager, Sara Leckie, and Marketing & Communications Specialist, Dita Puspitarani.

Housed within the Faculty of Medicine, the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) is an innovative unit that encompasses many of the health-related groupings at UBC as a collaborative venture. The School is structured around four divisions: Occupational and Environmental Health; Health Services and Policy; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Practice; and Health in Populations. The resulting mix of professions and disciplines is seen as a means of connecting individuals and learners to galvanize the relationship between health research, public health and health services and to enhance learning.

Work Performed:

1. Create a list of variables currently available in the CIHI data that are relevant for perinatal research.
2. Determine which variables are missing through comparison with existing provincial datasets: BC Perinatal Registry, BORN Ontario, and Nova Scotia Atlee Database.
3. Review procedures for applying for additional data fields (called projects) from CIHI.
4. Conduct a Delphi analysis with key stakeholders to achieve consensus on top 10 data fields to be added to the dataset.
5. Under supervision, compile information to develop a list of key stakeholders in Quebec to interview to determine avenues by which Quebec data could be included in the dataset.
6. Participate in development of a manuscript reporting on this process and findings by assisting in drafting the methods section.
7. Under specific direction by the supervisor, develop a policy brief for key stakeholders (i.e., Statistics Canada, Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System).

Consequence of Error/Judgment:

The Research Assistant will work closely with their supervisor, meeting on a weekly basis. Communication with stakeholders will take place through the supervisor. The Research Assistant will not be making independent decisions about data to be included in the data set or to be applied for. Consequences of error/judgement would be that procedures would have to be repeated, slowing the progress of the work.

Supervision Received:

The Research Assistant will report to Patricia Janssen, Professor, UBC School of Population and Public Health.

Supervision Given:

The position will not be giving supervision but will have access to the services of an MA-prepared work study student as needed.

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:

Education/Work Experience:

• MPH or MSc in Public Health is preferred.
• Clinical background or completion of a perinatal epidemiology course.

Skills:

• Ability to search online national data sources for variable lists.
• Knowledge of perinatal conditions, procedures and outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to take direction.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and report on progress on a weekly basis.

Job Requirements:

Access to a computer and internet.