Research Assistant

Overview

The Research Assistant will report to the Canada Research Chair in Race, Food, and Health Research Lead, typically a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and will help support, plan, and execute a research project under faculty supervision. The research program will collect equity-based data to examine intersecting cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors that drive food security among communities of Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) descent, underserved populations in Canada or initiative. The Research Assistant may be part of an interdisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Planning and Coordination: Attend and participate in regular meetings to assist with the organization and logistics of the research project. Work in partnership with the research lead to coordinate and execute the required tasks and deliverables, including both research and administrative duties.
• Communication: Engage in timely and respectful verbal and written communication with the research team and external partners. Liaise and collaborate with students, employees, and community partners.
• Gathering Data: Collect, organize, and analyze research data from diverse sources. Summarize and compile data with precision, paying attention to detail and context, and the requirements of the Research Ethics Board (REB), where applicable.
• Developing Materials: Prepare detailed summaries and high-quality reports capturing key insights. Contribute to the preparation of materials, workshops and presentations.
• Presenting: Develop and provide presentations about the research topic.
• Supporting Events (as required): Attend and provide logistical and organizational support during related research events, ensuring a welcoming and productive environment for all.
• Research Coordination: Lead appropriate research tasks as assigned, for instance, conduct literature reviews, draft surveys and interview guides, recruit participants, and design presentations.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an appropriate academic program at KPU.
• Successful completion of foundational courses in relevant topics (may include health science, health determinants, race and ethnicity, geographic information systems).
• Current or prior experience in academic or applied research, either through coursework or involvement in research projects, is desirable.
• In alignment with the focus of this research, we encourage applications from candidates who identify as Black, African, and/or Caribbean.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to assist in writing research reports and communicating with team members.
• Excellent time management skills to meet project deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proven ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and dealing with change, delays or unexpected events, keeping constant sight of the overall objectives.
• Ability to think organically in an unstructured research environment, developing, and following new leads as the project grows.
• Strong interpersonal skills including teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and overcome obstacles.
• Proven ability to recognize and maintain highest levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain poise and professionalism in all types of situations.
• Ability to use basic office technologies (e.g., Microsoft Office suite) effectively and to adapt to new technologies that may be introduced.
• The ability to travel within the Lower Mainland area may be required.

Salary Information

Anticipated hourly rate: $19.28