Research Coordinator, Healthy Starts

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

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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, or Indigenous person.

This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

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

The BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) is located at the BC Children's Hospital (BCCH), the only hospital in BC devoted exclusively to pediatric patients. In the lab, clinic and community, our researchers and clinicians are advancing knowledge of child health and development, improving treatments and finding cures, developing breakthrough technologies, and informing health policy and practice. BCCHR is supported by the BC Children's Hospital Foundation (BCCHF) and works in close partnership with BCCH, the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and its agencies, and the University of British Columbia (UBC).

BCCHR's wide and varied research portfolio is organized into four Themes. The Healthy Starts Theme brings together researchers with the shared goal of keeping children and families healthy and out of hospital by preventing lifelong health challenges and chronic and infectious diseases that are rooted in early childhood. The Theme is supported by dedicated staff and receives funding for activities and initiatives that progress BCCHR's research ambitions.

The Research Coordinator supports the delivery of Theme activities and initiatives including, but not limited to, recurring research seminars, an annual Research Day, and an annual Catalyst Grant competition. The Research Coordinator undertakes meeting organization, financial administration, and communications efforts for the Theme. They build and maintain relationships with Theme members and BCCHR administrative units, and use knowledge of the research support landscape to triage member questions to the appropriate administrative teams.

Organizational Status
The incumbent reports to the Theme Research Manager, who in turn reports to the Theme Director. The incumbent has working relationships with investigators, staff and trainees in the Healthy Starts Theme. They also have working relationships with counterpart staff in other Themes, and with staff in BCCHR's administrative units.

Work Performed

• Organizes and coordinates seminars, symposia, and other research-related events;

• Processes finance paperwork for Theme accounts within UBC and PHSA, and tracks spending to support accurate forecasting;

• Performs administrative duties including booking meetings, catering, and travel;

• Assists with Healthy Starts communications including writing emails, bulletins and reports, and maintaining web content;

• Tracks research metrics (e.g. grants, awards, publications) to support Theme reporting to BCCHR, UBC, PHSA, BCCH, and BCCHF;

• Assists with research facilitation activities, including grant development and enabling new research collaborations;

• Triages questions from Healthy Starts investigators, staff, and trainees to the appropriate administrative units;

• Assists in other research-related administration and management, as assigned by the Theme Research Manager

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Failure to plan or follow up on initiatives and poor judgment or errors dealing with such matters would have an adverse effect on the BCCHR's research productivity and operational management of the Healthy Starts Theme. Ability to work collaboratively and exercise sound judgment in dealing with administrative matters where there are no established policies, procedures or guidelines is essential. Failure to act in a professional, tactful manner would have an adverse effect on campus and community relations. Errors in the management of research accounts, as well as errors in reporting procedures, could result in a waste of financial resources, non-renewal of funding, or loss of currently held funding. Inadequate documentation, organization, communication, and planning may adversely affect the image and reputation of Healthy Starts, BCCHR, or its constituent research teams.

Supervision Received
This position will report to the Theme Research Manager, and the incumbent will also work closely with the Theme Director. The Research Coordinator must be able to work independently.

Supervision Given
The position does not come with any formal supervisory responsibilities. However, there are opportunities to co-supervise student workers and to oversee teams of volunteers for specific projects.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline in the life sciences, such as biology, neuroscience, or psychology is preferred. Experience working with research and researchers within an academic community is strongly preferred.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are also critical for this role. Must be able to independently organize and prioritize work load to deliver on multiple projects with overlapping timelines. Experience of organizing events would be an asset. Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required. Knowledge of UBC and/or PHSA administrative procedures is preferred. In particular, familiarity with UBC's Workday System would be an asset.