International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Research Assistant

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center (IBMC) seeks to develop and build an international network of researchers and practitioners working on seaweeds and macroalgae, creating opportunities for research collaborations, sector development and policy analysis. The research assistant will work to facilitate international collaborations associated with the Canadian Centre, conduct research and develop technical tools to assess policies and practice associated with coastal macrophytes, and will support communications work to develop the Centre’s node in Canada. The research assistant will report to the Director of FERU, Professor Rashid Sumaila and other UBC researchers and professors funded through the IBMC (International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center) NSERC-NSF Global Center’s grant. The Research Assistant will work closely with other FERU staff, students, collaborators and with other collaborators from UBC and the IBMC based at UC Berkeley, and will support the execution of the objectives of their shared Global Centres grant. This will include the co-development of tools and applications with core collaborators in Canada and the USA.

Requirements

• Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum seven 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

Nice To Haves

• MA or MSc in a field related to interdisciplinary marine monitoring, conservation or management and 3-5 years of related experience
• Demonstrated excellence in research and organizational skills including coordinating and supporting the execution of research projects
• Experience with key software packages, web development and GIS programs
• Experience developing and implementing surveys for research purposes
• Strong data analysis and scientific writing, including a proven ability to transfer empirical findings to support management and policy

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support IBMC Canada initiatives (NSERC-NSF Global Centre grant), including coordination of coastwide seaweed-focused research projects
• Lead collaborations with WWF Canada’s Coastal Habitat Hub, including website development, data synthesis and workshop facilitation
• Lead co-development of a web-based application and mapping tool to track metadata on coastal monitoring and observations from the stewardship, research and industry sectors
• Work with collaborators to co-develop a survey tool for the web-based application
• Conduct research and synthesis on cross-jurisdictional policies (Indigenous, municipal, Provincial/State, federal/national, international) linked to management and stewardship themes for coastal marine systems
• Develop a web-based tool to visualize and navigate policies linked to specific themes, spatial jurisdictions and actors
• Support research conducted by FERU staff and students by providing access to data and analyses from the web-based survey tools and policy scan
• Work on communications about IBMC research results, associated personnel and project progress
• Collaborate on development, acquisition and stewardship of grants to support the IBMC project and FERU research and management activities
• Prepare and publish refereed scientific papers, policy documents, public communications and other forms of outreach
• Other duties as agreed with the Director of FERU

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree