Research Assistant - Competition ID: 4813

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Richmond; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Vacation package

Pension plan

Tuition waiver

Professional development days

Inter-campus transportation

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University invites applications for a Research Assistant. Reporting to the Research Lead, you will support planning, execution, and coordination of a research project focused on design for extremes and climate adaptation.

The role targets students from Wilson School of Design and emphasizes collaboration with faculty and external partners. The position is open to part-time, temporary employment with on-site work.

Qualifications

• Experience in academic or applied research through coursework or projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication for research reports and team collaboration.
• Excellent time management to meet deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to adapt to changes, manage competing demands and stay focused on objectives.
• Ability to think organically in unstructured research environments and pursue new leads.

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in regular meetings; coordinate tasks with the research lead and deliverables.
• Engage in timely, respectful verbal and written communication with team and external partners.
• Collect, organize, and analyze research data from diverse sources; summarize data for REB where applicable.
• Prepare detailed summaries and high-quality reports; contribute to materials, workshops and presentations.
• Develop and provide presentations about the research topic.
• Provide logistical and organizational support during related research events.

Skills

Research experience

Communication skills

Time management

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Confidentiality

Office software

Education

TCPS-2 Core (2022) certificate

Relevant coursework in design/research methods

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID: 4813

Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled

External Closing Date: Open Until Filled

# of Openings: 3

Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time

Workplace Type: On-Site

Travel Frequency:

Employee Group: Casual Employee

Days of Work (BCGEU):

Hours of Work (BCGEU):

Hours per Week (BCGEU):

Summary

The Research Assistant will report to the Research Lead, typically a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and will help support, plan, and execute a research project or initiative. The Research Assistant may be part of an interdisciplinary research team.

Please note: This position is open to Wilson School of Design students only. The research assistants will support the faculty's project: Clean Air Shelters for BC Wildland Firefighters with a research theme: design for extremes and futures - climate crises and regional biosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning and Coordination: Attend and participate in regular meetings to assist with the organization and logistics of the research project. Work in partnership with the research lead to coordinate and execute the required tasks and deliverables, including both research and administrative duties.
• Communication: Engage in timely and respectful verbal and written communication with the research team and external partners, as applicable. Liaise and collaborate with students, employees, and community partners.
• Gathering Data: Collect, organize, and analyze research data from diverse sources. Summarize and compile data with precision, paying attention to detail and context, and the requirements of the Research Ethics Board (REB), where applicable.
• Developing Materials: Prepare detailed summaries and high-quality reports capturing key insights. Contribute to the preparation of materials, workshops and presentations.
• Presenting: Develop and provide presentations about the research topic.
• Supporting Events (as required): Attend and provide logistical and organizational support during related research events, ensuring a welcoming and productive environment for all.

Qualifications

• Current or prior experience in academic or applied research, either through coursework or involvement in research projects, is desirable.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to assist in writing research reports and communicating with team members.
• Excellent time management skills to meet project deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proven ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and dealing with change, delays or unexpected events, keeping constant sight of the overall objectives.
• Ability to think organically in an unstructured research environment, developing, and following new leads as the project grows.
• Strong interpersonal skills including teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and overcome obstacles.
• Proven ability to recognize and maintain highest levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain poise and professionalism in all types of situations.
• Ability to use basic office technologies (e.g., Microsoft Office suite) effectively and to adapt to new technologies that may be introduced.
• The ability to travel within the Lower Mainland area may be required.

Project Details

Project title: Clean Air Shelters for BC Wildland Firefighters

Research theme: Design for extremes and futures: climate crises and regional biosystems

Research Assistants Should Have

• Soft-prototyping interest, material testing and construction skills,
• Experience in literature reviews, systems mapping, research synthesis,
• Functional analysis/human factors and design (IDSN 2375, or DEPD 2331, or DETA 5210)
• An interest in extreme environments and design for climate adaptation
• TCPS-2 Core (2022) certificate

SALARY INFORMATION

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $18.25 - $22.10

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.