Research Assistant - Brotto Lab

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Assistant for the Brotto Laboratory to coordinate a clinical study on sexual health. You will recruit and screen participants, manage data collection, and assist with ethics submissions in a sensitive, confidential setting.

The role involves operating VR equipment in lab assessments, coordinating schedules, and providing admin support to the PI and research team. Strong writing and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree with at least three years related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and equity, including inclusion.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research settings.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment and screening of participants.
• Inform potential participants and obtain informed consent.
• Assist with ethics amendments for the project.
• Set up equipment including VR, manage data collection.
• Oversee volunteers and organize study documents.
• Support submission of abstracts and manuscripts.
• Process invoices and participant honoraria.
• Provide admin support to the PI and manage lab documentation.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Equity, diversity & inclusion

Independent work

Confidentiality handling

Education

Technical program or university degree

Undergraduate degree in related field

Tools

VR system

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant - Brotto Lab Department Brotto Laboratory | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range $29.82 - $35.16 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date August 21, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date November 10, 2026 This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

Job Summary

The primary focus of this position will be to provide research coordination for a clinical research study related to sexual health, as well as general administrative support to the Principal Investigator (PI). Duties include coordinating the recruitment, enrolment, and scheduling of study participants; managing data collection and storage; preparing ethics applications and study documentation; and conducting in-lab assessments that require operation of the Virtual Reality (VR) testing equipment with vulnerable study populations. Due to the highly sensitive nature of the research carried out by UBC Sexual Health Research, this individual must understand and exemplify the ethics of confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect when communicating with all research participants. The Research Assistant must be exceptionally detail-orientated and organized. They must be able to prioritize tasks to ensure that time-sensitive duties are completed in priority. This person must also be self-directed and able to excel in a team environment.

Work Performed

• Coordinate recruitment and screening of participants.
• Inform potential participants about all aspects of study protocol and obtain informed consent.
• Assist with research ethics amendments for this project.
• Set up equipment for the study, including data collection, troubleshooting, presenting results at lab meetings, and purchasing supplies when needed.
• Operate specialized lab equipment including the VR system, and train other lab members or volunteers on how to use the equipment.
• Oversee the work of volunteers on the study as needed.
• Organise and archive research documents, photos, and publications.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of abstracts, manuscripts, and (poster) presentations.
• Process financial paperwork for invoices and participant honoraria payments.
• Provide administrative support to the study PI, including tracking requests for lab manuals, updating lab documentation, updating the PI’s CV in print format and online databases (CCV, UBC academic CV), booking meetings rooms, onboarding new staff, students, and volunteers, and managing personnel tracking including access to lab space and internal checklists and documents.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Assistant is required to conduct all research activities in an ethical manner and with adherence to the Tri-Council Policy Statement concerning Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. Any procedures or data recorded as part of this research must be accurate and must accurately reflect the work performed. Strict confidentiality of all study participants must be adhered to. All activities involving participants are accountable to the Research Assistant, Principal Investigator, the Department Head, and the Research Assistant's governing professional organization.

Supervision Received

Most aspects of work will be done independently, while other aspects will be done under the supervision of the study Principal Investigator.

Supervision Given

May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees/volunteers at lower classifications in which case they are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline relevant to women’s health or communication or knowledge mobilization or equivalent is preferred.
• Working knowledge of qualitative research methodology and design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in knowledge mobilization for health research.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications using word processing, database and internet applications and tools.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion while using confidential information.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently (self-directed) and within a team environment.

Equity and diversity commitment

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.

Equity and inclusion statement

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

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.

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

This position will be based in the Diamond Health Care Centre at Vancouver General Hospital.