Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Peer Research Assistant

Department

CPS Research | Centre for Disease Control | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$26.67 - $31.73 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date

May 23, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

December 31, 2026

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
We are the Digital & Sexual Health Initiative affiliated with the BC Centre for Disease Control and University of British Columbia. We are looking for a Peer Research Assistant to support the Digital Determinants of Health (DDoH) study. We are doing this study in partnership with Ribbon Community, Unlocking the Gates, Soonats’ooneh Community Health Centre, and PAN.

The purpose of the DDoH study is to understand how people’s access to health and social services have been impacted as more health & social services move digitally. For this, we will interview clients of our partnering community organizations, focusing on people from populations facing barriers in accessing services related to sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs) such as HIV or Hepatitis C. These populations include: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities; African, Caribbean, and Black communities; Other racialized people; 2SLGBTQ+ communities; People who use drugs; People who experience incarceration; Sex workers and their clients; People living with HIV and those with lived and living experience of viral hepatitis; Newcomers, migrants, and immigrants to Canada, particularly from regions with high HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C prevalence; Women and youth within these groups.

The Peer Research Assistant position will support the interviews for the DDoH study (training provided). The position is hourly, with an average of 14 hours per week. The position will be hybrid, with some onsite work at the Ribbon Community, Vancouver, BC. Travel may be required for attending a training session.

Organizational Status
This position reports to Research Manager operationally, and will work closely with Peer Mentor, Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Assistant on the research team as well as staff from Ribbon Community.

Work Performed
The Peer Research Assistant will:

Assist with study promotion in partnership with Ribbon Community and study team
Carry out research activities including:
- Recruiting participants
- Obtaining informed consent
- Conducting interviews
- Reviewing and cleaning interview transcripts
- Analyzing data, and
- Interpreting findings
Complete TCPS-2 training and other related training
Maintain and update research records following the research procedures and according to ethical and confidentiality standards
Assist with administering research participation honoraria payments
Attend research team meetings
Assist other duties as needed

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion. New or unusual problems are referred to supervisor.

Supervision Received
This position will receive general supervision from Research Manager and day-to-day guidance from Research Assistant in carrying out the job duties and responsibilities. The position will receive research training and mentorship from Postdoctoral Fellow and Peer Mentor on the team.

Supervision Given
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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

Member of the populations facing more barriers in accessing STBBI related services as outlined above are strongly encouraged to apply
Passion to address health inequities
Interest in developing qualitative health research skills
Ability to work respectfully with community agencies as well as diverse community members
Excellent communication skills
Ability to exercise tact, discretion and safeguard confidentiality
Ability to create a welcoming environment for open conversation about sexual health, substance use and bodies
Comfort using MS Office software (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, OneDrive) and videoconference application (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom)
Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment
Access to reliable Internet is preferred
Prior experience with research is an asset
Proficiency in Arabic and culturally connected to Arabic-speaking communities is strongly preferred

About Us

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.