Research

Grant-funded positions with FHS-affiliated researchers or FHS partners will be posted as they become available.

Available Research Assistant (RA) roles at SFU Health Sciences can be found on the SFU Human Resources web site.

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Indigenous Research Liaison (IRL) - BC NEIHR British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research | Date posted: November 27, 2025

Read the full job description now for more information about the role, including remuneration and working conditions.

ABOUT THE BC NEIHR

Hosted at the Centre for Collaborative Action on Indigenous Health Governance (CCAIHG) within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, the BC NEIHR is an Indigenous-led network that heightens the engagement of Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) Communities, Collectives and Organizations (ICCOs), Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, and interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral groups and organizations in BC. Through our extensive network of experienced and dedicated members and partners, the BC NEIHR supports a provincial and national Indigenous health research agenda. Ultimately, the BC NEIHR will contribute to the improved health, wellbeing and strength of Indigenous peoples by supporting transformative research.

Our collective goal is to increase and enhance Indigenous-led health research in BC and Canada through the following objectives: 1) develop research infrastructure; 2) facilitate and support Indigenous peoples in leading health research and knowledge sharing; 3) provide research-related funding; 4) develop and support research capacity; 5) enhance awareness and relevance of Indigenous health research; 6) facilitate and support ethical and culturally safe research partnerships; and 7) engage in partnerships.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Nominated Principal Investigator Dr. Krista Stelkia (SFU; BC NEIHR; CCAIHG), Program Manager, Elizabeth Hunter (BC NEIHR), as well as working with BC NEIHR’s governance partners (First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, and BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres), and collaborators such as the BC SUPPORT Unit, the IRL will undertake the following activities:

Relationship Building

▪ Respectfully engage and develop relationships and research partnerships with ICCOs, Indigenous researchers across the regions in BC. Participant in health-related gatherings (budget permitting) to engage with ICCOs and bring awareness of the BC NEIHR program by promoting the Network membership registration.
▪ Create strategies to address distrust and barriers around health research in colonial research environments.
▪ Keep ongoing and regular communication with funded ICCOs.

Liaison & Facilitation

▪ Collaborate with the BC NEIHR and CCAIHG Teams, including external collaborators and partners (i.e., BC SUPPORT Unit) to plan, coordinate, and evaluate local/regional capacity bridging events, webinars, training sessions, and knowledge sharing gatherings or activities.
▪ Share and distribute information of BC NEIHR funding and capacity bridging opportunities to ICCOs.
▪ Travel to meet with ICCOs in their respective region and participate in Indigenous Health and Wellness conferences or gatherings (travel budget permitting).
▪ Liaison with ICCOs to identify and address regional community research priorities.
▪ Support the facilitation of partnerships for the development of community-based research ethics review processes and other collaborations.

Mentorship

▪ Mentor ICCOs for building capacity as an organization or collective (e.g. opening collectives bank accounts, incorporating associations, and structuring projects for funding access).
▪ Provide capacity-bridging support to ICCOs provincially and in respective regions, including mentoring ICCOs to create and develop innovative and integrative research development and knowledge sharing strategies.
▪ Support ICCOs leaders to take full control of their projects, ensuring self-determination with allies acting only as support (e. g. they decide what, when, and how to proceed).
▪ Provide mentorship and technical support to ICCOs in writing research development grant and knowledge sharing mobilization grant applications.

Navigation

▪ Guide ICCOs in building capacity for health research initiatives.
▪ Develop plain-language workbooks and templates to support the BC NEIHRs research development and knowledge sharing activities.
▪ Translate academic terminology and institutional processes for ICCOs with diverse literacy levels and research experience, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge systems are respected and integrated where possible.
▪ Assist ICCOs by providing an overview and navigating institutional procedures, such as institutional ethics review boards, ethical guidelines, grants approval processes, and other administrative requirements.
▪ Connect ICCOs with relevant funding opportunities from other institutions.

Other Communications and Training

▪ Attend training workshops and receive ongoing instruction from Elders/Knowledge Holders, Investigators and Knowledge Users, and the Program Manager, BC NEIHR, or CCAIHG Team.
▪ Frequent communication with Program Manager via email, Zoom and telephone.
▪ Participate in ongoing communication with BC NEIHR team members via MS Teams, email and Zoom videoconferencing.
▪ Attend and report on activities conducted at the weekly and monthly team meetings via Zoom videoconferencing.
▪ Provide monthly written reports to the Program Manager that detail all activities and an evaluation of such activities.
▪ Organize and lead face-to-face and video-and-teleconferencing with ICCOs.
▪ Collaboratively work with other IRLs on various network activities and communicate frequently.
▪ Participate and obtain the following training and certifications: San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety, OCAP® and TCPS2 Chapter 9.
▪ Perform other BC NEIHR and CCAIHG-related duties as required.

APPLICATION DETAILS

This is a grant-funded position:

Status: Full-time position (37.5 hours/week) for a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension.
Annual Salary: $70,000 full-time
Location: Varying regions in British Columbia (BC) and remote. Candidate must be based in BC, as there will be occasional in-person gatherings and meetings in Vancouver and at Centre for Collaborative Action on Indigenous Health Governance (CCAIHG) office at SFU Burnaby Campus.

How to Apply:

1. Submit Your Application: Send your application package (cover letter and CV/resume) via email to:bcneihr@sfu.ca. Use the subject line to clearly state the position you are applying for (e.g., "NAME OF THE POSITION Application").

2. Experience Statement. As part of the application package, please include a 1-2 page Experience Statement that outlines why you are interested in this position and your experience in providing research support and conducting community engagement with Indigenous peoples and communities. This is an opportunity to highlight in a narrative format key aspects of your work, education, training or other experiences that make you a suitable candidate for this position. Please consider the activities listed under Position Summary when creating your Experience Statement.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted to go to the next stage.
Graduate students in BC are encouraged to apply. If you are a current graduate student interested in a full-time position, you must include your time management plans in your cover letter to demonstrate how you will balance your studies with the full-time role.

3. Interview Process: Selected applicants will be invited to have an interview. Those selected will need to demonstrate their experience working with ICCOs through a presentation during the interview. This presentation may include photographs or other forms of proof (such as project reports, testimonials, or portfolio examples) showcasing your relevant experience. Further details and instructions will be provided during the process.

Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please see contact info in How to Apply.

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Research Technician / Research Assistant – Infectious Diseases Immunology, The Pantophlet Lab – Dr. Ralph Pantophlet | Date posted: February 17, 2026

Read the full job description now for more information about the role, including remuneration and working conditions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Pantophlet Laboratory at Simon Fraser University is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Research Technician to support projects focused on antibody discovery, viral glycoprotein immunogens (influenza, coronaviruses, paramyxoviruses), and functional antibody characterization. The successful candidate will contribute to a multidisciplinary research program integrating molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein production, immunoassays, and flow cytometry.

Core Responsibilities

Mammalian Cell Culture & Expression
- Maintenance and passaging of adherent and suspension cell lines
- Transient transfection for recombinant protein expression
Molecular Biology
- Cloning (e.g., Gibson assembly, T4 ligation)
- PCR and gene construct validation
- Site-directed mutagenesis (e.g., QuikChange)
- Plasmid DNA preparation (mini- and midipreps)
Protein Production & Characterization
- Recombinant protein expression in mammalian systems
- Affinity purification (spin columns or gravity-based columns)
- SDS-PAGE and protein quantification (e.g., BCA assays)
Immunoassays & Biophysical Analysis
- ELISA
- Biolayer interferometry (BLI)
- Data acquisition and analysis using instrument software
Flow Cytometry
- Multicolor staining and assay setup
- Independent operation of BD flow cytometers (analyzer and sorter)
- Independent data analysis using FlowJo
Additional Desirable Experience
- Antibody display techniques (e.g., yeast display)
- Automated nucleic acid synthesis platforms (e.g., BioXp)
- RNA quantification and quality assessment (e.g., Qubit-based assays)

Qualifications

BSc (Honours preferred) or MSc in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field
Demonstrated hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular cloning
Experience operating core research instrumentation (e.g., flow cytometry, BLI)
Strong experimental organization and documentation skills
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a structured research environment

APPLICATION DETAILS

This is a grant-funded position:

Position Title: Research Technician / Research Assistant – Infectious Diseases Immunology
Reports to: Dr. Ralph Pantophlet
Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Duration: 1-year term (3-month probationary period), with possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding
Start Date: March/ April, 2026
Position Type: Full-time, Research Assistant/Technician
Salary Range: CAD $65,000-70,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits and statutory entitlements in accordance with SFU policies
Location: Burnaby, Blusson Hall

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file containing:

A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Contact information for three professional references
Email: Dr. Ralph Pantophlet rpantophlet@sfu.ca

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

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Research Assistant, The Pollard Lab – Dr. Samantha Pollard | Date posted: March 2, 2026

Read the full job description now for more information about the role, including remuneration and working conditions.

ABOUT THE POLLARD LAB

The Pollard lab is an interdisciplinary research lab at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), Simon Fraser University (SFU), led by Dr. Samantha Pollard, that generates data, evidence, and data infrastructure to enable the evaluation of oncology technologies. With a focus on mixed methods pediatric precision oncology research, we apply qualitative, quantitative, stated-preference, and health economics methods to generate timely and actionable research outputs across publicly funded health systems.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Pollard Lab Research Assistant will report with the PI, Dr Pollard, and work with other lab members to support project management, research, and data analysis activities related to multiple funded research projects. The research assistant will support epidemiologic and mixed-methods research projects in the areas of hereditary cancer and pediatric genetic testing and patient-oriented clinical trial design. This position collaborates with The BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute and BC Cancer in a multi-disciplinary research setting.

Responsibilities include

Provide day-to-day project coordination support, including tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
Assist with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting action items.
Maintain organized project documentation (protocols, data dictionaries, agreements, approvals).
Assist in preparing and submitting research ethics board (REB) applications and amendments.
Conduct literature reviews to inform research design.
Draft abstracts, background sections, and methods sections for conference submissions and manuscripts.
Contribute to manuscript preparation, including formatting, reference management, and journal submission processes.
Support dissemination activities (conference submissions, partner briefings, reports).
Support budget preparation and tracking under supervision, including documenting expenses and reconciling project costs.
Attend and actively participate in weekly research meetings and partner meetings as appropriate.

Qualifications & Skills

Undergraduate degree in health sciences, public health, epidemiology, or a related field (Master’s degree in progress considered an asset).
Strong written communication skills, including drafting and editing research documents (e.g., reports, abstracts, manuscript sections) for varied audiences.
Foundational knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods; experience supporting evaluation studies is an asset.
Exposure to grant writing, manuscript preparation, or academic publishing processes is an asset.
Familiarity with research ethics processes, data governance, and privacy requirements
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with appropriate supervision.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
Proficiency in standard research and productivity tools (e.g., reference management software, Excel; statistical or qualitative analysis software is an asset).

APPLICATION DETAILS

This is a grant-funded position:

Position Title: Research Assistant
Reports to: Dr. Samantha Pollard spollard@sfu.ca PI
Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Duration: One year with the possibility of extension
Start Date: March, 2026
Appointment Type: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Salary Range: $70,000 annually plus benefits
Location: BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Support Building
- This position allows for a hybrid (remote and in-person) working model.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to Dr. Samantha Pollard (spollard@sfu.ca), by February 21, 2026

Email: spollard@sfu.ca

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until March 10^th, 2026

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Research Assistant, Data Validation (Summer Student) – Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) | Date posted: March 11, 2026

Read the full job description now for more information about the role, including remuneration and working conditions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) is one of 13 institutes that comprise the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Canada’s health research funding agency. IGH’s mandate is to foster research excellence regarding the influence of sex and gender+ on health and to apply these findings to identify and address pressing health challenges facing men, women, girls, boys, and gender-diverse people.

At IGH, we acknowledge that both biology (sex) and society (gender) influence our health in distinct but interrelated ways. The “+” acknowledges that both sex and gender intersect with other factors, including income, social status and supports, Indigeneity, race and racism, sexual orientation, ability, location, and other social identities and positions to profoundly shape our health and well-being.

IGH is seeking a Research Assistant, Data Validation (Summer Student) to join our team full time from May 11^th to August 28^th 2026, with a possibility of part time hours extending to Dec 31 2026. The Research Assistant, Data Validation will provide research, administrative and communications support to the Scientific Director (Dr. Angela Kaida) and the IGH team. Given the exciting and broad scope of activities of the IGH, this position will work directly with IGH team members to deliver on the Institute’s mandate and priorities, as described in the Institute of Gender and Health’s new Research Priority Plan (2024-2029).

The main role for this position is to support the annual CIHR data validation exercise, which involves reviewing recently funded grant applications to determine their relevance to the IGH mandate. The position will also support other Institute priorities, including preparing literature reviews, conducting data analyses, drafting summaries, and supporting the development of learning materials and communication materials related to sex, gender and health, among other tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main duties include:

Support the annual IGH data validation exercise, reviewing recently funded CIHR grant applications for their relevance to IGH priorities. This involves reading a large volume of scientific abstracts across the 4 pillars of health research (Biomedical, Clinical, Health Systems and Population Health), and categorizing them based on areas of focus
Develop more refined data validation categories, terms and definitions for different research areas within the IGH mandate (e.g. women’s health)
Liaise with IGH and CIHR staff to ensure adherence to the data validation terms and definitions
Prepare literature reviews, data analyses and written summaries, as needed
Support the development of sex, gender, and health learning and communication materials, as needed
Support the IGH Operations and Events lead with IGH file organization and process development
Maintain records of all work in the IGH electronic filing system
Perform other duties and responsibilities consistent with the job description, as assigned

The work of the Research Assistant must be completed with a high level of accuracy and efficiency. The Research Assistant is expected to exercise judgment and decision-making when managing all communications. Errors could jeopardize the public and government credibility of IGH, CIHR, and the Government of Canada.

Qualifications

The Research Assistant will have the following minimum qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, with demonstrated course work and/or major project related to sex, gender and health. Enrollment in or completion of a Master’s degree with training on sex, gender and health is preferred.
One or more years of experience engaged in research related to sex, gender and health, including literature review, data analysis and preparing written summaries.
Work experience or coursework related to multiple pillars of health research (biomedical, clinical, health systems or population health) is an asset
Work experience or coursework related to sex, gender and health or health equity is an asset
Experience in knowledge mobilization and/or communications work is an asset
Strong demonstrated understanding about the influence of sex, gender and other intersectional factors on health and wellbeing.
Experience working in a government or university environment, or in a community-based organization relevant to sex, gender and health is an asset.
Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.
Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, written) in English. French fluency is an asset.
Ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems effectively and in a timely fashion.
Ability to multi-task, and work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing deadlines and priorities.
Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects, setting priorities and delivering expected results on time and within budget
Excellent time management skills and attention to detail
Ability to work in a hybrid working team environment
Excellent knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office 365 applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint), online meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and other office software (e.g., Adobe, Canva, etc)
Proficiency, familiarity, or willingness to learn about academic search engines (e.g., PubMed) and reference software (e.g., Endnote, Zotero).
Knowledge of the CIHR and/or Simon Fraser University policies and procedures is an asset.

Working conditions

This position has a hybrid working model with a minimum of 2-3 days per week in IGH’s offices located at the Harbour Centre Campus of the Simon Fraser University, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Travel to other locations within the Vancouver area may be necessary. The Hybrid working model is available, with a fully remote position negotiable for the right candidate.

APPLICATION DETAILS

This is a grant-funded position:

Position Title: Research Assistant, Data Validation (Summer Student)
Reports to: Dr. Glenys Webster, Associate Director, CIHR Institute of Gender and Health
Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Duration:
- Full time from May 11^th – Aug 31^th 2026
- Part time for rest of contract, hours to be negotiated
Start Date: May 11^th, 2026
Appointment Type: Full-time (40 hours/week) May 11^th – Aug 31^th 2026
Salary Range: $24.74-$27.00 per hour depending on experience.
Location: Simon Fraser University, Vancouver campus
- This position allows for a hybrid (remote and in-person) working model. IGH is located at SFU Harbour Centre in downtown Vancouver

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and CV via email to:

Dr. Glenys Webster

Associate Director

CIHR Institute of Gender and Health

Email: IGH-ISFH@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin mid-March. Position posted on March 11, 2026.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Selected candidates will be invited to an interview, and may be requested to complete a brief exam to demonstrate the ability to categorize scientific abstracts using set criteria, and to demonstrate reasoning and writing ability.

IGH and SFU are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated in learning, teaching, research and work. We are privileged to do this work on the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples.

We would like to thank, in advance, all applicants who take the time to apply for this position. All applicants will be notified regarding whether they have been selected for an interview.

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