Research Assistant - Service Costing Methodology Project (BC BTAC)

Okanagan College; Penticton; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Okanagan College in Penticton is seeking a Research Assistant for a BC BTAC project to develop a practical service costing methodology. The position is non-regular and part-time (approx. 4 hours/week for 12 weeks) with a total of 50 hours and a flexible schedule.

You will conduct background costing research, review pricing data, develop a standardized costing framework, and create Excel templates. Start date September 14, 2026; end December 31, 2026; salary range $18.42–$23.51 per hour.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled student in a relevant field.
• Experience with Excel formulas, tables and basic data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background costing research on lab costing methodologies.
• Review BC BTAC service information and pricing data.
• Identify and categorize key cost components in service delivery.
• Assist in developing a standardized costing methodology.
• Create and test Excel-based costing tools and templates.
• Apply the methodology to services to validate the approach.
• Prepare a final report with findings and recommendations.
• Present findings to the project supervisor.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Excel

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Independent working

Education

Student in related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

When you join Okanagan College, you’re joining a team that’s transforming lives and communities.

Every course you create, every student you support and every connection you build, it all matters.

Be a part of a vibrant campus community, where the work you do every day truly makes a difference.

Desired Start Date: September 14, 2026

Position End Date: December 31, 2026

Salary range: $18.42 - $23.51

Classification: Research Assistant

Type of appointment: non-regular

Schedule: Approx. 4 hours/week for 12 weeks, exact schedule of work flexible/TBD

Project: Development of a Service Costing Methodology with the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre

The BC BTAC is seeking a Research Assistant to support the development of a practical methodology for estimating the true cost of technical and laboratory services. The project will create a standardized framework that considers labour, equipment, consumables, and indirect costs to support future service costing and pricing decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct background research on costing methodologies used by laboratories, applied research centres, and service organizations.
• Review existing BC BTAC service information and pricing data.
• Identify and categorize the key cost components involved in service delivery.
• Assist in developing a standardized costing methodology.
• Create and test Excel-based costing tools and templates.
• Apply the methodology to a representative selection of services to validate the approach.
• Prepare a final report summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Present the final report to the project supervisor.

Expected Deliverables

• Standardized service costing methodology.
• Excel-based costing tool.
• Final project report.
• Presentation of project findings and recommendations.

The work can be completed remotely using Teams, with occasional in-person meetings in Penticton. The position is funded for 50 hours of work with work being completed over approximately 12 weeks.

The ideal candidate for this position would be a motivated, detail-oriented student interested in applied research, business analysis, and process improvement.

Should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with Microsoft Excel (formulas, tables, and basic data analysis)
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while meeting regularly with the project supervisor

Research Assistant positions are non-regular positions governed by the BCGEU collective agreement (see LOU #3). Wage compensation determined based on year of study/degree earned as per agreement. RAs are paid by submission of a bi-weekly timesheet.

Our Values

Students first:

Creating meaningful life-long educational opportunities of the highest quality for alumni, current, and future students is at the heart of everything we do.

Community:

We are one College. We enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to work with, learn from, and support everyone we encounter collaboratively and collegially.

Respect:

We welcome, embrace, and celebrate that which make us unique in creating an environment in which every individual is valued, affirming our commitment to human dignity for all.

Courage:

We are courageous in our actions in areas that contribute to positive change in our communities and beyond. We have the courage to be vulnerable. We are truthful, sincere, and act ethically with honesty and fairness.

Relationships:

We steward meaningful relationships built on a foundation of reciprocity. We are compassionate, empathic, and care for the holistic well-being of students, employees, community members, and the land.

Distinction:

We choose activities in which we can achieve excellence and positively impact society.

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,[e-mail].