Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!

Competition ID:

4306

Internal Closing Date:

September 27, 2026

External Closing Date:

September 27, 2026

# of Openings:

1

• Salary Information:

Casual Employee - Hourly Rate

Employment Type:

Temporary Part Time

Workplace Type:

Hybrid

Travel Frequency:

Occasional travel between campuses is required.

Employee Group:

Casual Employee

Days of Work (BCGEU):

Hours of Work (BCGEU):

Hours per Week (BCGEU):

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Tara Lyons, department of Criminology.

SUMMARY
The Research Assistant will be involved in many aspects of the community-based research project, Mapping the Surrey Drug Crisis, in coordination with the project team and the Surrey Union of Drug Users.
This is a part-time position (approximately 8 hrs/week) on a 6-month-long contract with possibility of extension.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend Research Team Meetings: Attend regular research team meetings, including weekly meetings with Surrey Union of Drug Users working group, share progress and contribute to discussions.
• Coordination of Project Tasks: Assist in the organization research and administrative tasks with research team.
• Participant Recruitment: Assist in the recruitment of research participants, which may involve reaching out to potential participants, distributing recruitment materials, etc.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Assist in the collection, organization, and analysis of research data using appropriate methodologies and software tools.
• Data Entry and Management: Accurately enter and manage research data in databases or spreadsheets, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Draft Research Reports: Help in preparing research reports, summaries, and presentations.
• Support Project Documentation: Keep detailed and accurate records of research procedures, findings, and results.
• Liaison with Surrey Union of Drug Users Board of Directors: Keep the SUDU Board of Directors informed about the project. Communicates information between the KPU research team and the SUDU Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Surrey Union of Drug Users Board Member.
• Experience working with grassroots, democratic, and action-oriented organizations.
• Experiences working with people who use drugs is mandatory.
• Excellent time management skills to meet project deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proven ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and dealing with change, delays or unexpected events, keeping constant sight of the overall objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills including teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to assist in writing research reports, presenting findings and communicating with team members.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and overcome obstacles.
• Proven ability to recognize and maintain highest levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain poise and professionalism in all types of situations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to assist in writing research reports, presenting findings and communicating with team members.

SALARY INFORMATION
Anticipated hourly wage: $23.00

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.