Research Assistant - Science Initiative

Michael Smith Health Research BC

Michael Smith Health Research BC, funded by the Government of British Columbia, is BC’s health research agency. We strengthen the province’s health research system by supporting the people, institutions and activities that generate and use research-based knowledge to promote, restore and maintain the health of British Columbians. Our ambition is to inspire and connect curious, creative and passionate minds to drive discovery and innovation in health research. And we’re driven by the belief that health-related decision making should be informed by high quality research produced in an equitable, diverse and inclusive research system.

We are a team of dedicated professionals who care deeply about each other and our work. We believe in embracing diversity as a strength and core value, creating spaces that are inclusive of all peoples, and are grounded in our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous self-determination. We value and support a diverse workforce, reflective of different backgrounds, skillsets, perspectives and life experiences.

We have a hybrid work model. When you are in the office, our beautiful space offers views of False Creek, an outdoor patio (think summer BBQs!) and a fitness centre, and it’s walking distance to restaurants and other amenities. Our social committee, Team Good Times, organizes events throughout the year.

If you are looking for meaningful work in a supportive environment, and you are inspired by making a difference in BC’s exceptional health research community, read on to learn more.

Position Summary

Health Research BC's science initiative is a transformative program that underscores our commitment to advancing research excellence, evidence-based solutions and innovation. Our mission is to elevate the scientific rigor and impact of all our work. It is a foundational enabler of our strategic directions: build research talent, catalyze change and mobilize communities.

The science initiative research assistant position is a temporary part-time position for up to 12 months to support Health Research BC's science initiative. The hours worked are flexible between 15 and 20 hours per week with at least one day per week onsite at Health Research BC’s office. The position reports to the Manager, Science Initiative.

This position is designed to support internal research and evidence needs, the development of priority-based funding programs, and an organizational position on open science. Tasks may include topical evidence syntheses, regional research needs assessments, engagement with interested parties internally and externally including experts within the research and policy spheres, and/or coordination of support for provincial dialogues.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the science initiative manager to identify evidence needs and research agendas for internal teams and programs.
• Summarize and present literature internally to support the development, execution or evaluation of Health Research BC projects and program activities.
• Summarize key evidence and areas of uncertainty related to Health Research BC’s priorities for research funding, which include population aging, climate change and human health, public health emergencies, and the health human resources challenge.
• Summarize key evidence and areas of uncertainty or contention related to open science frameworks and practices for the purpose of development of recommendations toward an organizational position on open science.
• Support the development of committees of interested and/or informed parties focused on Health Research BC priorities using Client/Collaborator Relationship Management (CRM) software.
• Deploy survey tools to gauge relevant interested party activities and opinions related to Health Research BC priorities and/or its position on open science.
• Help to form and participate in internal working groups to support the development or evaluation of new or existing projects or programs.
• Provide planning and coordination support for the development and execution of a provincial dialogue with relevant internal and external parties on priority topics e.g., inviting participants, securing a venue, developing an agenda, developing background reading and resources for review prior to the event, etc.
  
  

Requirements

• Completed or currently completing a graduate (Masters, PhD, or post-doctorate) degree in a relevant program of study
• Experience with bibliometric analyses and developing systematic reviews of literature.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Prior experience with CRM software, survey development and analysis, and/or event coordination is an asset.
• Demonstrates a high-level of attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to identify priorities and complete multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Self-directed, with the ability to organize, establish and manage priorities and workflow, work and think independently.
• Comprehensive computer literacy including demonstrated intermediate/advanced level skills with Microsoft programs (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe, and Zoom.
• Maintains highest levels of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality. Able to build trusting and collaborative relationships with others; diplomatic and tactful.
• Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous reconciliation; training and/or experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion and/or Indigenous cultural safety an asset.
  
  

How to Apply

If this sounds like you and you would like to play a role in maximizing the impact of health research in BC, please submit your resume and cover letter online at healthresearchbc.ca/about/careers/. We thank everyone for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.