Research Assistant - Competition

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition : 4479
Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled
External Closing Date: February 14, 2026
# of Openings: 1
Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Travel Frequency:
Employee Group: Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):

The Research Assistant will report to the Canada Research Chair in Race, Food, and Health Research Lead, typically a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and will help support, plan, and execute a research project under faculty supervision. The research program will collect equity-based data to examine intersecting cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors that drive food security among communities of Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) descent, underserved populations in Canada or initiative.

The Research Assistant may be part of an interdisciplinary research team.

• Planning and Coordination:
  Attend and participate in regular meetings to assist with the organization and logistics of the research project. Work in partnership with the research lead to coordinate and execute the required tasks and deliverables, including both research and administrative duties.
• Communication:
  Engage in timely and respectful verbal and written communication with the research team and external partners, as applicable. Liaise and collaborate with students, employees, and community partners.
• Gathering Data:
  Collect, organize, and analyze research data from diverse sources. Summarize and compile data with precision, paying attention to detail and context, and the requirements of the Research Ethics Board (REB), where applicable.
• Developing Materials:
  Prepare detailed summaries and high-quality reports capturing key insights. Contribute to the preparation of materials, workshops and presentations.
• Presenting:
  Develop and provide presentations about the research topic.
• Supporting Events (as required):
  Attend and provide logistical and organizational support during related research events, ensuring a welcoming and productive environment for all.
• Research Coordination:
  Lead appropriate research tasks as assigned, for instance, conduct literature reviews, draft surveys and interview guides, recruit participants, and design presentations.

• Current enrollment in an appropriate academic program at KPU.
• Successful completion of foundational courses in relevant topics (may include health science, health determinants, race and ethnicity, geographic information systems).
• Current or prior experience in academic or applied research, either through coursework or involvement in research projects, is desirable.
• In alignment with the focus of this research, we encourage applications from candidates who identify as Black, African, and/or Caribbean.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to assist in writing research reports and communicating with team members.
• Excellent time management skills to meet…