Career Posting: Graduate Research Assistant

The Okanagan School of Education (OSE) has an opportunity for a Graduate Research Assistant

Description
The GRA will support the development of creative, scholarly, and knowledge mobilization outputs emerging from Dr. Sabre Cherkowski’s research. The role will focus on helping translate research findings, reports, observations, and scholarly ideas into accessible, engaging, and visually compelling resources for schools, educators, practitioners, researchers, and broader audiences.

Working collaboratively with Dr. Cherkowski and members of the research team at the Okanagan School of Education, the GRA will support the early development, drafting, design, revision, and preparation of creative research outputs. The successful candidate will bring both strong writing/editing skills and/or creative design abilities, with an interest in producing research-informed creative outputs.

Work Performed

  • Developing initial drafts of creative, scholarly, and public-facing research outputs.
  • Transforming research findings and existing materials into accessible narratives and resources.
  • Supporting the writing, editing, proofreading, formatting, and refinement of documents.
  • Designing and revising visual communication materials using Microsoft 365 tools and design platforms such as Canva.
  • Supporting preparation of materials for publication, online sharing, or community distribution.
  • Supporting knowledge mobilization materials as priorities evolve.

The following outputs represent anticipated priorities for the role. Actual deliverables may shift depending on project needs, timelines, and progress.

  • Research reports, documents and related creative outputs
  • PowerPoint presentations design and revision
  • Social media and digital communication design support

Organizational Status & Supervision Received
The GRA will work closely with members of the research team and will report to the project coordinator, under the supervision of Dr. Sabre Cherkowski. The GRA will work both independently and collaboratively, participating in online research team meetings, attending occasional in-person meetings at UBC Okanagan, and completing independent work using shared digital folders and collaborative documents.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at UBC Okanagan. While preference will be given to graduate students, outstanding undergraduate applicants who can demonstrate strong experience and a portfolio of writing, knowledge mobilization, design, or creative communication work may be considered.
  • Background in Education, Educational Studies, Leadership, Communications, Design, or a related field is considered an asset.
  • Completion of the TCPS2: Course on Research Ethics (CORE) certificate is desirable.

Skills you bring

We recognize that applicants may bring different combinations of strengths to this role. We encourage applications from students with experience or strong interest in writing, editing, design, communications, education, research, knowledge mobilization, or creative content development. Applicants are not expected to have extensive experience in all aspects of the role. Curiosity, creativity, initiative, and a willingness to learn are highly valued.

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

  • Strong written English communication skills.
  • Strong editing and proofreading abilities.
  • Experience developing clear and engaging written materials for different audiences.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 tools.
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in Canva or similar design software.
  • Ability to create visually appealing and accessible resources.
  • Comfort experimenting with different creative approaches and proposing options.
  • Ability to receive feedback, revise work, and adapt designs or writing accordingly.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining proactive communication with the research team.
  • Strong organizational skills, especially with shared files and collaborative workflows.
  • Interest in knowledge mobilization, education research, creative scholarship, and communicating research beyond academic audiences.

Why Join This Role?

  • Contribute to meaningful education research and knowledge mobilization initiatives.
  • Develop skills in writing, editing, design, and research communication.
  • Build a portfolio of creative and scholarly outputs.
  • Work closely with an experienced research team in a collaborative environment.

Start and End Date: November 2026–February 2027

Hours: 6 hrs/week

Salary: $28.00 an hour

Application: To apply, please complete the application form. Detail how your background, skills and interests align with the details of this role. If you experience any technical difficulties with the application form, please contact us at lead.well@ubc.ca. Please note that applications submitted by email will not be accepted; all applications must be submitted through this form.

Apply

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews are anticipated to take place during October 2026.

Deadline: October 16, 2026

 

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. 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, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.