Graduate Academic Assistant

Job Description:

A highly motivated and experienced Graduate Assistant will be part of Dr. Baumbusch’s CIHR funded research program focused on climate change and the aging population. Related research projects include: a study about the impact of extreme heat events on older adults, a photovoice project about the mental health impacts of climate change on older adults, and climate resilience in the long-term care home sector.

The Graduate Assistant will be assigned a range of research tasks, including conducting qualitative interviews and focus groups; supporting systematic review and environmental policy scan work; participating in data analysis (including data management such as cleaning and coding), general team support (e.g. coordinating and attending meetings, taking minutes, communicating with team members), keeping records, ethics application, literature reviews, writing reports and manuscripts, preparing presentations, participating in conference presentations or other activities related to the research and knowledge translation.

Work Performed:

The candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch to undertake the following tasks:

• Assist with academic research

• Meet regularly with the supervisor to discuss research assignments

• Manage and reply to project-related correspondence

• Contact eligible participants

• Conduct interviews and focus groups with older adults and people working in the area of climate change.

• Manage and analyze qualitative data

• Literature searches and reviews, policy scans

• Preparation of outputs, including public reports, manuscripts, and presentations

• Work in cooperation with other members of the research team

• Carry out any other related duties if essential to the research activities of the supervisor or project to which the graduate assistant is assigned.

Consequence of Error/Impact of Decision:

• Errors or incorrect decisions in accuracy, judgment, and communication could potentially result in delays in completing the project or seriously compromise the productivity and quality of the research.

• Failure to seriously follow the project procedures will result in an inability to meet the deadlines and delay in completion of the project.

• Failure to demonstrate professional and ethical performance could result in loss of credibility for the project, researcher, and the organization.

Supervision Received:

The Graduate Assistant will work under the minimum supervision of Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch. The post holder will be expected to work relatively independently with direction and guidance provided by the PI.

Supervision Given:

None.

Working Condition:

The Graduate Assistant will be located at the School of Nursing, UBC-Vancouver campus.

Qualifications and experience level:

• A graduate student from Nursing or related discipline (e.g. gerontology, social work, sociology, or public health) at UBC.

• Expertise in the area of climate change and healthcare is an asset

• Previous experience in collecting and analyzing qualitative data.

• Previous publishing experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Interviewing.

• Qualitative data management and analysis.

• Report and manuscript writing skills.

• Time management skills.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision

Anticipated Hours of Work:    approximately 8 hours per week

Start Date:    May 1, 2025

End Date:      March 31, 2026

Salary:     $28.00/hour