Research Assistant (Pre-Doc Intern)

The University of British Columbia; Electoral Area A; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vancouver School of Economics (VSE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking a Research Assistant (Pre-Doc Intern) to support data collection, cleaning, and analysis for various economics research projects.

Ideal candidates have a strong quantitative background and proficiency in Stata, R, or Python, with an interest in pursuing economics research or a PhD. Collaboration with faculty and data-intensive work are key components of the role.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
• Strong quantitative background, preferably in economics.
• Strong computer skills, such as programming and data analysis.
• Ability to work autonomously within a team and solve problems independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Long-term interest in pursuing research in economics.

Responsibilities

• Oversees complex data collection, manipulation, and data storage.
• Plans data retrieval and analysis using existing tools and methods.
• Works with senior level faculty on the design and execution of empirical tests.
• Writes reports and assists with grant applications in conceptualization and articulation.
• Oversees day-to-day research project operations and directs undergraduate researchers.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Programming

Data analysis

Autonomous work

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Mathematics

Tools

Stata

R

Python

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Intern Job Title Research Assistant (Pre-Doc Intern) Department Administrative Support | CIDER Admin Support and RA's | Vancouver School of Economics Compensation Range See details below. Posting End Date October 4, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date May 31, 2028 The expected pay for this position is $5,047.

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 Description Summary

The Vancouver School of Economics (VSE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a globally recognized leader in economic research and education. VSE faculty conduct cutting-edge research across a diverse range of economic subfields, including labor economics, development, economic history, political economy, public economics, the economics of crime, and applied microeconomics. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment and supporting the next generation of economists through rigorous training and mentorship.

The Centre for Innovative Data in Economics Research (CIDER) at VSE is a hub for data-intensive economic research. CIDER facilitates collaboration with leading researchers and institutions, providing access to advanced data resources and computational tools to support high-impact research projects.

The Pre-Doctoral Fellow/Research Technician position at VSE is a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers to gain hands‑on experience in economic research. Working closely with faculty members, fellows will contribute to a variety of research projects involving data collection, cleaning, and analysis; literature reviews; and preparation of research findings. Successful candidates will have a strong quantitative background, proficiency in programming languages such as Stata, R, or Python, and a keen interest in pursuing a PhD in economics or a related field. The position offers a dynamic research environment and serves as an excellent stepping stone for those looking to advance their academic careers.

Organizational Status

The job will entail close collaboration with VSE and CIDER faculty members on research projects in applied microeconomics involving large and complex data sets. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of research, from new project development to data acquisition, data analysis, and presentation of results.

Work Performed

• Oversees complex data collection, manipulation, and data storage.
• Plans and performs the outlines and looks after data retrieval (eg, data scraping) and analysis (eg, big data analysis) using existing tools and methods.
• Responsible for complex tasks in relation to data retrieval and analysis.
• Works with senior level faculty in the design and execution of empirical tests.
• Supports the project/study by surveying literature and using existing tools to generate data.
• Conducts literature reviews and contributes to the development of research projects.
• Writes reports and assists with writing grant applications in terms of conceptualization and articulation.
• Oversees the day‑to‑day research project operations and oversees and directs work of undergraduate research assistants.
• Oversees data reporting and prepares information to be displayed for presentation and publication.
• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This is a research assistant position within a research project involving a variety of projects and sophisticated research methods. The work requires considerable judgement in the management of research priorities, data, applications, schedules, and task delegation.

Confidentiality

Employees of the University of British Columbia always work under strict confidentiality because of the nature of the data holdings. Any breach in data security would place the future of the school, and its many programs of research, at risk.

Accuracy and Accountability

Accuracy is essential since errors may have implications for published reports, grant funding, data access, and public relations. The Research Assistant is responsible for checking the reliability and accuracy of work done and reporting challenges and threats directly to her/his supervisor.

Supervision Received

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Research Manager of the Centre for Innovative Data in Economics Research, along with UBC research faculty.

Supervision Given

May coordinate and organize tasks of research assistants participating in the research team.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 in a relevant discipline such as Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, or, Mathematics. The ideal candidate will have:
• a strong quantitative background, preferably in economics;
• strong computer skills, such as programming, data analysis and;
• the ability to work autonomously within a team and to solve problems independently;
• strong written and verbal communication skills; and;
• a long-term interest in pursuing research in economics.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential.

New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work.

Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence

An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. 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. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].