Research Assistant / Technician 2-1

Job Category
CUPE 116

Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Assistant / Technician 2-1

Department
Research | Boley | Department of Physics and Astronomy | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range
$4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
January 26, 2025

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

Job End Date

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

To conduct research and analysis as part of an interdisciplinary research program co-led by Professors Aaron Boley (Physics and Astronomy) and Michael Byers (Political Science), with funding from a NSERC Discovery Horizons grant on the “Orbital and surface risks from rocket bodies: Physical challenges, interdisciplinary solutions.”

Major responsibilities include conducting research at the interface between space policy, international relations, and international space law, drafting and editing research output, co-organizing workshops, supporting conference presentations and other forms of knowledge dissemination, and identifying additional grant opportunities and drafting applications for them.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

Reports to Professor Aaron Boley (Physics and Astronomy); works closely with Professor Michael Byers (Political Science). Works also with post-doctoral research fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, and research program collaborators nationally and internationally.

WORK PERFORMED

Conducts research and analysis at the interface between space policy, international relations, and international space law. This includes reviewing academic and governmental  literature; analyzing and comparing policy and evaluating actual state and non-state actor practices; interviewing government and industry representatives; and coordinating and working with participating researchers on developing and measuring space sustainability metrics, which may further include reviewing telescopic observations and various space activity rates.
Conducts research into analogous issues from the history of international maritime policy and the law of the sea. This includes reviewing academic and governmental literature; analyzing historical policy events and their political and environmental contexts; investigating relationships between international maritime policy and space policies; and studying the similarities and differences in the environmental constraints on maritime policy versus space policy.

Coordinates with research team members in astrophysics and engineering.

Provides drafting and editing support for research papers and other research products.

Supports conference presentations and other forms of knowledge dissemination such as parliamentary testimony, public events, newspaper op-eds, and media interviews.

Engages with an international network of research program collaborators.

Plans, organizes and participates in research meetings, workshops and other events.

Assists in preparing grant applications.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

This position requires strong research, analytical, and organizational skills. The successful candidate is expected to work relatively autonomously. The ability of the candidate to act in a professional and personal manner, and maintain comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date knowledge of the research program is of great importance to its success. Consequently, the success and impact of the research program will be significantly affected by the candidate’s ability to competently perform the job requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The successful candidate will receive general direction from Professor Aaron Boley (Physics and Astronomy), while also working closely with Professor Michael Byers (Political Science).

SUPERVISION GIVEN

The successful candidate will work with, and help to evaluate, student research assistants, undergraduate volunteers, and the non-academic performance of directed studies students.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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 honours degree in political science or international relations.

Demonstrated ability to conduct high-level research and analysis at the intersection of space policy, international relations and international law, to work effectively both independently and in a team environment, and to prioritize, take initiative, and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

Some existing knowledge of international maritime policy and the Law of the Sea.

Strong writing and editing skills, including technical manuscripts. 

Demonstrated ability in grant writing, budgeting, and reporting.