Staff - Union
BCGEU Okanagan Support Staff
BCGEU OK Hourly - Research Assistant and Technician II
Drug Checking Technician
UBCO | Program Support | Campus Wellness
$27.00 - $30.96 CAD Hourly
August 27, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
April 30, 2027
Must be certified with BCCSU drug checking
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 Research Assistant will assist the Harm Reduction Project Coordinator and the PI with day-to-day operations of the harm reduction project contract. The RA will assist with fulling contract deliverables related to providing confidential drug checking, data entry, interpreting and communicating the results of drug checking, and providing guidance on safe use, risk reduction and referral to other services. In addition, the RA will communicate with other team members and community partners on project related items.
Organizational Status
The position reports to the Harm Reduction Project Coordinator and the Principal Investigator, Melissa Feddersen.
Work Performed
Assists the Harm Reduction Project Coordinator and the Principal Investigator with the harm reduction project project:
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Provide confidential drug checking using an FTIR and other testing materials, following strict protocols established by provincial health authorities to ensure safe handling of substances and accuracy of results.
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Interpret and communicate the results of drug checking to individuals, and using available resources provide confidential guidance on safe use, risk reduction and referral to other services as requested.
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Maintain FTIR and testing materials and ensure secure storage on campus when not in use.
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Ensure safe handling and disposal of substance samples following strict protocols.
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Assists with routine tasks in data collection (i.e., note taking, data entry), as well as assisting with data organization, identification, preparation and management. The level of assistance required for such duties include following data collection protocols, and correctly entering and saving data in secure database.
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Strictly follows COVID-19 safety protocols both on campus and at community sites.
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Communicating with the project team and community partners concerning project related issues.
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Participating in meetings with research team and community partners.
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Preparing and submitting first drafts of required project reports. The level of assistance required for such duties include compiling data for report in table and narrative formats, and reviewing reports for accuracy and completeness in capturing experiences related to harm reduction services.
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Performs literature searches related to substance use, reviewing, and synthesizing literature.
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Performing other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises sensitivity, initiative, tact and discretion in carrying out the duties of the position and adheres to all ethical and protocol requirements, i.e. maintaining strict confidentiality, and safe handling and disposal of substances. Errors in judgment could result in inaccurate drug checking results and inaccurate interpretation/communication of results that may have significant effects on the quality of the project services and increased risk to service users.
Supervision Received
Position will work collaboratively with the project team coordinator, PI, other team members, and community partners. Position will report to and be directly supervised by the Harm Reduction Project Coordinator. The Harm Reduction Project Coordinator will regularly review the Research Assistant’s work and provide feedback to ensure that it meets expected standards. Any concerns will be discussed with the PI.
Supervision Given
May assist with overseeing other students working on the project.
Education/Work Experience:
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Post-secondary degree, with some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
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Knowledge of FTIR testing protocols, interpretation of the results of drug checking, and current evidence related to substance use and harm reduction is essential.
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Experience in counselling and providing information related to substance use and harm reduction preferred.
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Related experience in collection and management of confidential data is preferred
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Experience with writing manuscripts and reports.
Performance Competencies and Criteria:
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and sensitivity to the needs of individuals who use substances
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Ability to conduct and accurately interpret the results of drug checks using FTIR and other testing materials, and sensitively communicate results to individuals along with information support harm reduction
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Ability to follow strict protocols with respect to drug checking, data collection and management
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Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and community partners.
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Ability to work both independently and within a team environment
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Ability to adapt to changing priorities, to multi-task and to meet deadlines.
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Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet skills.
Expectations for all UBC employees:
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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
