Research Assistant - Dept of Criminology

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Surrey; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A Canadian educational institution is seeking a part-time Research Assistant for a community-based project focusing on the Surrey Drug Crisis. This role involves recruiting participants, attending meetings, and assisting with data analysis and report writing. Candidates should have experience working with grassroots organizations and people who use drugs. The anticipated pay rate is $23 per hour on a 6-month contract with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• Current Surrey Union of Drug Users Board Member.
• Experiences working with people who use drugs is mandatory.
• Proven ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.

Responsibilities

• Attend regular research team meetings and contribute to discussions.
• Assist in the organization of research and administrative tasks.
• Help in the recruitment of research participants.

Skills

Experience working with grassroots organizations

Strong interpersonal skills

Effective written and verbal communication

Critical thinking

Time management

Job description

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Tara Lyons, department of Criminology.

SUMMARY

The Research Assistant will be involved in many aspects of the community-based research project, Mapping the Surrey Drug Crisis, in coordination with the project team and the Surrey Union of Drug Users. This is a part‑time position (approximately 8 hrs/week) on a 6‑month‑long contract with possibility of extension.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend Research Team Meetings: Attend regular research team meetings, including weekly meetings with Surrey Union of Drug Users working group, share progress and contribute to discussions.
• Coordination of Project Tasks: Assist in the organization research and administrative tasks with research team.
• Participant Recruitment: Assist in the recruitment of research participants, which may involve reaching out to potential participants, distributing recruitment materials, etc.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Assist in the collection, organization, and analysis of research data using appropriate methodologies and software tools.
• Data Entry and Management: Accurately enter and manage research data in databases or spreadsheets, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Draft Research Reports: Help in preparing research reports, summaries, and presentations.
• Support Project Documentation: Keep detailed and accurate records of research procedures, findings, and results.
• Liaison with Surrey Union of Drug Users Board of Directors: Keep the SUDU Board of Directors informed about the project. Communicates information between the KPU research team and the SUDU Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Surrey Union of Drug Users Board Member.
• Experience working with grassroots, democratic, and action‑oriented organizations.
• Experiences working with people who use drugs is mandatory.
• 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills including teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to assist in writing research reports, presenting findings and communicating with team members.
• 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.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to assist in writing research reports, presenting findings and communicating with team members.

SALARY INFORMATION

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $23