Research Assistant and Technician I

Location: UBC Okanagan Campus - Kelowna, BC, Canada

Job TitleResearch Assistant and Technician I

Job CategoryBCGEU Okanagan Support Staff

Job Family GroupStaff - Union

DepartmentUBCO | Research | Jakobi | School of Health and Exercise Sciences | Faculty of Health and Social Development (Jennifer Jakobi (On Leave))

Job End Date

June 30, 2027

Posting End DateDecember 3, 2026

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

The position will remain open until filled.

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

This position collaboratively develops and confidently implements in-person, STEM-based, hands-on-learning activities in K-12 schools in the Okanagan region. This position falls under the WWEST STEM Curriculum Support branch of the WWEST program under the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering BC/Yukon, at UBCO.

Organizational Status

WWEST’s goal is to support intersectionality and diversity, and to provide equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for underrepresented persons in science and engineering. The WWEST program is grounded within the themes of Inclusion, Collaboration, and Innovation. Through classroom visits, Intergenerational Events, on campus event and social media WWEST works towards the goal of building connections and interest in STEM retention for years to come.

Work Performed

• Collaborate on the organization, and delivery of WWEST STEM Curriculum Support programming
• Assist in developing engaging and unique STEM lessons linked to BC Education curriculum, and facilitate such lessons in K – 12 classrooms across BC/Yukon
• Coordinate with team members, the organization of activity supplies as required
• Support developing a network within the STEM community
• Assist in promotion of program activities through various social media platforms
• Support team in collecting, maintaining, organizing metrics and data to be used for program reporting
• Share in creating and presenting volunteer opportunities through public booth or information sessions
• Seasonal and when feasible, co-organize/co-facilitate youth STEM day camps
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with team members
• Perform other related duties as required in the development and promotion of WWEST programming

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors or lapses in judgment in the multifaceted role described, could lead to a range of consequences. These may include scheduling conflicts and miscommunication in event coordination, disruptions in classroom activities, shortages of supplies, damage to the organization's online reputation, lower attendance at events, financial discrepancies, parental dissatisfaction, and most seriously harm to a minor. Such errors may not only impact the immediate success of these initiatives but also hinder the organization's overall mission and standing in the provincial STEM community. The individual in this role must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive to mitigate these potential consequences and ensure the seamless execution of diverse responsibilities.

Supervision Received

This position will be supervised by the WWEST Program Manager, Rebecca McCullough, and the Chair for Women in Science and Engineering BC/Yukon, Dr. Jennifer Jakobi.

Supervision Given

Upon occasion, supervision in the form of supporting volunteers may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation and a minimum one year 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 preferably in a STEM or Education related discipline
• WWEST STEM Curriculum Support programming serves K-12 youth and teachers, and experience in this environment is valued by those with a Teaching Certificate, however, a combination of equivalent education and experience will also be accepted.
• Ability to teach in a fast-paced environment with the support of the WWEST team
• Attention to detail in both written, and verbal communication
• Knowledge, passion and interest in science and/or education.
• Knowledge of STEM research and applications to youth centered learning environments
• Experience in public communication, notably with youth
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize workload for self and others
• Detail oriented and independent worker
• This position requires travel to schools within the Okanagan region between Summerland and Armstrong, with the majority of work in schools in Kelowna and Vernon.
• Driver’s license and own source of transportation is required
• Basic computer literacy
• Understanding of BC Educational programing and working with youth is an asset
• Clean Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record check