Are you passionate about research centered around substance use policy and practice? The British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is seeking a Research Assistant to join our team and help shape the future of substance use policy, practice and care.

As a research centre of the Providence Health Care Research Institute and a University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Centre, the BCCSU is at the forefront of substance use research, education, and care. We are committed to advancing substance use policies and care in BC by translating research into education and evidence-based care guidance. By supporting the collaborative development of evidence-based policies, guidelines and standards, BCCSU seeks to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of substance use.  
Reporting to the Manager, Principal Investigator or other designate, the Research Assistant provides operational and administrative support to the Principal Investigator(s) and other staff in the implementation and conduct of various research studies and related activities in accordance with applicable policies, standards, procedures, and protocols.

What You Bring: 

• Experience with participant recruitment, interviewing and data collection  
• Knowledge of substance use care, harm reduction, and working with people who use drugs
• Strong organizational and research design skills, with the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively
  

Please be advised that this is a temporary full-time opportunity with an expected end date in January 2028.

Deadline to apply: Thursday, November 6th at 12:00 PM PST

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant discipline.
• One (1) to three (3) years' previous research experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience with recruitment, interviewing and data collection in research studies, and with marginalized populations is an asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge in using NVivo, PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Microsoft Office Software, and reference manager software and e-mail and Intranet.
• Knowledge of basic research design and protocol development.
• Effective interview skills, ability to establish rapport, ability to assess a situation and respond accordingly.
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated data entry and data management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of terminology relating to substance use
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to conduct literature searches and synthesis of findings.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
  
  

• A competitive salary: The hiring range for this position is $24.76 - $30.95 per hour, depending on experience.
• Growth opportunities: We welcome individuals at all stages of their career, offering opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Inclusive culture: We respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons. We value the cultural richness that our diverse workforce brings to the care of our equally diverse population of patients and residents.
• Meaningful impact: Your dedication and expertise will directly impact the lives of individuals living with substance use disorders.
• A comprehensive health benefits package including dental and vision.

Your Day to Day:

• Prepares data collection forms, study consent forms, and recruitment materials.
• Recruits, screens, schedules and evaluates research participants.
• Performs data coding, entry, checking using electronic data capture systems.
• Collects back-up source documentation as required.
• Understands the data requirements of various study protocols.
• Updates and maintains study databases and develops source document worksheets.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and ethical requirements related to identification and release of study data.
• Assists in the preparation and submission of research protocols for funding applications and REB review.
• Conducts literature reviews and assists in the development of proposals and associated documents.
• Participates in ongoing training and efforts to ensure data integrity.
• Analyzes data (qualitative and quantitative), under the guidance of the Principal Investigator or designate, using relevant information systems to perform statistical analysis where appropriate.
• Supports the development of academic outputs, including presentations and manuscripts.
• Supports the preparation of relevant research and reports as directed by the Principal Investigator or designate. This would include activities such as but not limited to: taking and preparation of minutes, document writing and editing, graphics or other visual material preparations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

We acknowledge that Providence Health Care and the new St. Paul’s Hospital site is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.