Research Program Coordinator

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

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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

The Department of Materials Engineering at UBC is home to innovative research in advanced materials and sustainable technologies. The Advanced Composite Materials and Structures Group led by Dr. Yasmine Abdin is seeking a Research Program Coordinator to support ongoing research that drives innovation in fibers and structural and functional composites.

This role provides operational, financial, and research coordination support for a collaborative lab environment. The Coordinator will serve as the central link between technical activities, financial tracking, internal lab processes, and grant development. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of organizational skills, research awareness, and administrative capability to help the lab function efficiently and grow strategically.

This position requires occasional evening work and availability as an emergency contact.

This is a one year position with the possibility of an extension to a second year.

Organizational Status
Reports to Dr. Yasmine Abdin

Work Performed

Research Program Coordination

• Supports project planning and implementation across research activities, including coordination of timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinates the preparation of technical and financial reports, grant applications, and data summaries by consolidating input from multiple researchers; ensures timely submission to funding agencies and collaborators.
• Maintains organized documentation for ongoing research activities, lab resources, collaborations, and reporting workflows.
• Develops effective communication protocols with researchers and collaborates to provide relevant project updates regarding budget and project milestones.
• Supports compliance with funding agency and institutional requirements, including technical reporting, milestone tracking, and policy adherence.

Financial and Operational Administration

• Tracks and reconciles project and operating accounts in collaboration with UBC Finance.
• Prepares and consolidates financial reporting required by granting agencies, and supports internal reporting processes in coordination with the research team and finance offices.
• Works in collaboration with the faculty PI leads and researchers to generate information and metrics on novel scientific findings, academic output, and trainee progress and partnerships.

Lab Infrastructure and Support

• Coordinates lab logistics, including inventory, shared equipment scheduling, maintenance, and safety documentation.
• Manages procurement, purchase orders, and vendor communications for equipment and lab supplies.
• Supports onboarding of new lab members, including orientation to lab protocols and university systems.
• Maintains internal tools for lab organization, including calendars, filing systems, and digital storage.

Administrative and Strategic Support

• Coordinates project meetings, technical workshops, and communications, including scheduling support for the PI and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contributes to the lab’s strategic planning efforts, identifying process improvements and supporting long-term research goals.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Must work independently and exercise sound and informed judgment, diplomacy and decision-making. Errors could seriously jeopardize the public and government credibility of the Department, the Faculty, and the University.

Supervision Received
Supervised by Dr. Yasmine Abdin

Supervision Given
May supervise granduate and undergraduate students as well as lower level technicians.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field. Masters or MBA preferred.
• Demonstrated skills in research coordination, technical project support, or financial/administrative roles, ideally in a research or academic setting.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong judgment, ethical conduct, and the ability to maintain confidentiality, tact, and discretion are essential. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort working with institutional or project management software.