Faculty of ArtResearch Assistant, Understanding Funding and Business Models Used By Satellite Sites of Research Universities in Canada
UBC Robson Square is hiring a graduate student to conduct, compile, and analyze research on the satellite or downtown campuses of major research universities in Canada—these are sites affiliated with a research university, but located away from the main campus. They are particularly interested in determining the funding models and mandates associated with different satellite sites across Canada.
The goal of the project is to gain a better understanding of how satellite campuses are funded, to what end they exist, and which audiences they serve so that UBC Robson Square can better understand how their own self-funded approach fits in among peer institutions.
The work: First, you’ll conduct a combination of online research and interviews (either on the phone or over Zoom) with 1-2 staff members at approximately 14 sites across Canada that have been identified by the UBC Robson Square team. The majority of the information is expected to come from the interviews themselves. Next, you’ll analyze and compile the information gathered through your research into a set of raw data and a written report to be shared with the UBC Robson Square team.
Timeline: start no later than March 10, 2025, work to be concluded by May 9, 2025.
Compensation: $4,900 (based on 175 hours at $28/hr)
Supervision: you’ll meet regularly and work closely with the Director, UBC Robson Square. You’ll also interact with other members of the UBC Robson Square team, as needed and to gain an understanding of how the UBC Robson Square operates.
Applications are due by 9am on Monday, March 3, 2025. Please note, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early for full consideration.
- If working remotely, you should have your own equipment (computer, phone) and a private place to work with a reliable internet connection.
- If you don’t have a suitable workspace, a space to work on site can be provided.
- You will be required to travel to the UBC Robson Square offices as needed to meet with the team and gain an understanding of the space.
- Communication Skills
- Positive and professional attitude and the ability to communicate with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
- Comfortable speaking with working professionals on the phone, via Zoom, and via email
- Able to engage people in conversation, listen actively and probe for information to ensure clarity
- Fluent in English with demonstrated written and oral communication skills
- Spoken French would be an asset
- Research skills
- Strong reasoning and analytical skills
- Knowledgeable in qualitative research methodologies and able to synthesize information
- Demonstrated ability to generate a final report and distill key findings and insights
- Project/personal management skills
- Able to work independently with broad guidance and minimal supervision.
- Organized and able to prioritize work and plan work to meet deadlines
- Research skills: you will have the opportunity to prepare interview questions, conduct interviews with a wide-range of professionals, and analyze both oral interviews and data collected through online research
- Professional connections and insight: you will have the opportunity to work closely with staff in higher education at the UBC Robson site, gaining insight into the structure and function of administrative roles in the university. You will also connect with a wide-range of staff at peer institutions across Canada and gain insight into the funding structures and mandates of a wide-range of satellite sites.
- Data translation: you will not only collect data, but translate it into a format easily understood by an audience of professionals. You’ll have the opportunity to learn in this role what it’s like to conduct and prepare research for a non-academic audience.
- Professional communication: this role involves talking with a wide-range of professionals, allowing you to demonstrate and hone your communication skills.
If you have any questions about this position, please reach out to arts.amplifier@ubc.ca before the deadline to discuss!