Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Research Assistant
Department
Bingham Research Division of Social Medicine | Department of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
November 4, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
September 1, 2026
This position is 18.75 hours/week (0.5 FTE).
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

The Research Assistant will assist in the co-design, planning, and running of research activities that seek to amplify Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) voices in mental health care policymaking in BC. Strengthening Trust through Equitable Methods (The STEM Project): Reciprocal and respectful foundations for genetics-informed mental health treatment decisions for Indigenous Peoples in BC, is comprised of several different streams of work that aim to listen to, summarize, and uplift Indigenous perspectives and priorities in mental health and genomic testing. Collectively, the outcomes of this project will inform future Indigenous-led approaches and potential implementation for drug-gene testing for antidepressant medications for major depression, should this test become publicly available through the BC health system.
The incumbent will work within the Department of Medicine Division of Social Medicine at the Indigenous Equity Lab (led by Dr. Bingham) which is housed at the Women's Health Research Insititute in Vancouver BC. This new 24-month project that is being co-led by Drs J9 (Jehannine) Austin (White settler), Brittany Bingham (she/her, shishalh First Nation), and Stirling Bryan (he/him, White settler). This is a Two-Eyed Seeing project, bringing together Indigenous and Western team members, methodologies, ways of knowing, and project outputs. The Research Assistant position is open to Indigenous graduate students or recent graduates.
The position will involve conducting an environmental scan of genomic research with Indigenous Peoples considering cultural safety and soveriegnty, planning and conducting virtual interviews with these leaders, co-designing and organizing two in-person well-being gatherings with Indigenous community members, and qualitative data analysis. Additional tasks include searching for and summarizing literature as needed to support the informational needs of the project, as well as contributing to KT distribution on the Indigenous Equity Lab website, educational materials, and project outputs. Travel to Indigenous communities throughout BC with the project team will be required, since this project seeks meaningful engagement and partnership with Indigenous communities.



Organizational Status

The Research Assistant reports directly to Dr. Brittany Bingham and works closely with the Project Lead (Dr. J9 Austin) and Co-Leads (Drs. Brittany Bingham & Stirling Bryan) of the Well-Being Gathering project. The incumbent will be supported by Indigenous Research Associates (Perry, Scott-Fiddler) at the Indigenous Equity Lab, including, Indigenous mentorship, gathering planning, culturally safe interviews, administrative support, timelines etc. The incumbent will also be supported by Dr. Louisa Edwards who will support with financial reporting. The incumbent will interact with other faculty and research staff on the Well-Being Gathering project both within and outside of UBC.
The Indigenous Equity Lab, led by Dr. Bingham (shishalh Nation), is a program of Indigenous research dedicated to advancing Indigenous health equity. Its mission is to support Indigenous gender health equity, revitalize traditional wellness practices, amplify Indigenous voices in health, address the impacts of climate change, and support Indigenous capacity building and mentorship. The Indigenous Equity Lab is situated on the unceded and traditional territories of the x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wu7mesh (Squamish), and s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to the Coast Salish Peoples and support their inherent rights to these lands.



Work Performed

Assist in planning a variety of research project activities, including organizing and documenting meetings, developing and carrying out environmental scan procedures, writing interview guides and helping to conduct virtual interviews with key systems leaders (across government, healthcare/wellness, and research sectors), and planning and helping to run in-person well-being gatherings. Travel within BC to Indigenous communities to build meaningful and culturally safe relationships, alongside the project team. Engage with Indigenous community organizations, Indigenous partners and Indigenous individuals to identify key systems leaders for the environmental scan and qualitative interviews. Communicate with diverse project partners and other relevant interested/affected parties about the project, including providing project updates and raising awareness of the project. Source and summarize relevant literature on the intersection of biomedical research, psychiatry, and Indigenous Peoples. Develop recruitment procedures and documentation, as well as Indigenous data governance procedures, and prepare ethics applications. Source venues and assist with organizing travel, accommodation, catering, equipment, and other required tasks for in-person research events in two different locations in BC. Contribute to qualitative data analysis using Indigenous methodologies and ways of knowing and also Western qualitative methodologies. Build and maintain project website. Create educational materials about drug-gene testing for major depression, based on input received from Indigenous partners and participants. Support the preparation of reports, policy briefs, publications, educational materials (e.g., videos, project website, leaflets), and presentations. Perform other related duties as assigned/or required.


Consequence of Error/Judgement

The successful candidate will need to exercise professional judgment and initiative in the overall coordination and management of research activities. The successful candidate makes high-level decisions regarding the planning, coordination, and communication of research activities.
Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator and University as a site for further research and/or funding. Performance must strictly conform to research protocols, Tri-Council policy statement, and standard Canadian guidelines for health research involving Indigenous People.
A high level of cultural competency and sensitivity is necessary in this position, as any insensitive actions could jeopardize our longstanding research relationship with the Indigenous communities we work with.
Project Leads should be advised of problems that have arisen or that can be anticipated. Errors may significantly impact both the clinical and academic reputation of the unit and could result in loss of funding, confidentiality breaches or delays in payment.



Supervision Received

The incumbent works closely with Dr. Brittany Bingham and Indigenous Equity Lab Research Associates (Perry, Scott-Fiddler) and the project leaders (Drs J9 Austin, Brittany Bingham, Stirling Bryan), but needs to be self-motivated to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner. The incumbent is expected to report to Dr. Brittany Bingham, with support and guidance from the Indigenous Research Associates (Perry, Scott-Fiddler), Research Program Manager (Dr. Edwards) and Dr. Stirling Bryan (Project Co-Leader). The incumbent will also have access to input and advice from a Hereditary Chief and Knowledge Keeper.



Supervision Given

Under the supervision of Dr. Bingham, the incumbent will support in supervising a UBC MED Flex student including assigning tasks and supporting a literature review.



Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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 QualificationsMasters' degree in Public Health or policy-related field preferred; Bachelors degree with domain experience will be considered. Strong connection to Indigenous communities in BC an asset. Keen interest in Indigenous health and community-based research. Previous experience conducting research within Indigenous communities is preferable. Experience working with Indigenous-related projects or organizations is an asset. Passionate about improving mental health care. Knowledge of or experience with qualitative methodologies (e.g., interviews, focus groups) or Indigenous methodologies is preferable, including analysis and interpretation. Experience in leading knowledge translation activities and developing educational tools. Demonstrated ability to provide culturally-safe interactions with Indigenous Peoples. Demonstrated knowledge, experience and/or training in the ethical, social, and cultural issues around conducting research in Indigenous communities is required. Excellent interpersonal manner and communication skills. Excellent organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail. Ability to gather, record, and organize information effectively. Ability to effectively use MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and NVivo. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines, including effectively managing multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. * Successful completion of Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) online tutorial (may be completed upon hiring).