Job Description

Staff - Union
Job Category CUPE 116
Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Job Title n?e?kepmxci?n Lab Research Assistant
Department Research Support | Matthewson | Department of Linguistics
Compensation Range $27.24 - $29.82 CAD Hourly
Posting End Date October 1, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date August 31, 2026
This is a part-time position of about 4 hours a week.
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 Summary
This position requires knowledge of the n?e?kepmxci?n language. The work involves transcribing n?e?kepmxci?n stories and conversations, translating n?e?kepmxci?n stories and conversations, proofreading and checking transcriptions and translations done by others, and assisting with technical issues. It also involves working with n?e?kepmx Elders and fluent speakers to collect new stories or conversations, and to check transcriptions and translations.
Organizational Status
The job entails close collaboration with members of the n?e?kepmxci?n lab (n?ab) in the Department of Linguistics.
Work Performed
- Transcribe and translate n?e?kepmxci?n stories and conversations.
- Proofread and check transcriptions and translations done by others.
- Work with n?e?kepmx Elders and fluent speakers to collect new stories or conversations, and to check transcriptions and translations.
- Assist with technical issues including software relating to the transcription, translation and publication of n?e?kepmxci?n stories and conversations.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This work requires considerable judgement in the management of language data and it also requires attention to detail and accuracy.
Confidentiality: Employees of the University of British Columbia always work under strict confidentiality because of the nature of the data holdings and participant populations.
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 directly to their supervisor.
Supervision Received
The successful candidate will meet regularly with Lisa Matthewson, the PI of the project, and with other team members including graduate students and community language experts. Their work will be checked by more senior members of the team.
Supervision Given
None.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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
Knowledge of n?e?kepmxci?n as determined either by postsecondary courses in n?e?kepmxci?n at NVIT or UBC-O, or by a reference from an acknowledged expert in the language from the community such as Dr. Mandy Jimmie.
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Linguistics or Speech Sciences. The ideal candidate will have prior experience transcribing n?e?kepmxci?n

Skills Required