Behavioural Public Policy Lab Manager

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Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge qualifications and experience for the the normal course employees will be hired transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

This is a full-time term position ending on Dec 31 2026 with the possibility of extension.

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 Behavioural Public Policy Lab led by Dr. Vince Hopkins in UBCs Department of Political Science is hiring a Lab Manager to help drive high-impact research at the intersection of behavioural science inequality and public policy.

The Lab works directly with governments nonprofits and community organizations to design and test real-world solutions like simplifying access to employment programs or increasing civic participation among newcomers. Most of our work is experimental policy-relevant and grounded in partnerships. Were looking for a proactive detail-oriented Lab Manager who can help keep our research moving. Youll support everything from project planning and grant coordination to partner engagement and knowledge translation. Were looking for someone whos self-motivated organized and excited about making policy better for the people its meant to serve.

Organizational Status
The Lab Manager will be based in the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia and will report directly to Dr. Vincent Hopkins. They will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of student researchers postdoctoral fellows and external partners (e.g. community organizations nonprofit leaders government agencies). This role sits at the heart of a growing research network focused on tackling real-world policy challenges.

Work Performed

Project Management and Administration

• Responsible for developing and maintaining policies and procedures for the efficient administration organization and operation of various research projects;

• Creates develops and manages a database of co-applicants collaborators partners and other affiliates;

• Builds and maintains the Labs online presence including the website;

• Communicates regularly via video conferencing phone and e-mail with project team members including partners to gather and disseminate project updates;

• Assists with drafting and submitting grant applications as well as ethics applications supporting data-sharing agreements and ensures compliance with university policies.

Finance & Budget

• Develops budget forecasts and manages and monitors expenditures;

• Synthesizes and analyzes financial data and prepares reports to support budgetary decision-making;

• Investigates new sources of funding and coordinates funding transfers between UBC and partner institutions;

• Liaises with university units and funding sources to ensure compliance with agreements/contracts.

Communications

• Prepares composes edits and proofs project documentation such as scientific manuscripts and communications related to knowledge translation

• Supports knowledge mobilization by assisting with the creation of briefings client presentations and stakeholder liaison;

• Develops organizes and implements knowledge translation activities including planning events open to the university community and the public.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors incorrect work or decisions or poor judgment could result in lost opportunities damage to the reputation of the project breakdown in partnerships or other serious impacts on the research project and future funding opportunities.

Supervision Received
Works under general direction within established policies procedures and standards. The incumbent will receive instruction from the Dr. Hopkins when new duties are assigned and when unusual problems arise but will also work with some latitude. The incumbent must exercise initiative and sound judgment.

Supervision Given
May from time-to-time oversee the work of students employees on contract or consultants.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives including perspectives in conflict with ones own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones own awareness knowledge and skills related to equity diversity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing projects and complex assignments

• Strong organizational and time management skills with proven ability to juggle competing priorities

• Experience working in a university nonprofit or government setting

• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders

• Demonstrated interest in applied social research or behavioural science

• Comfort working independently in a fast-paced mission-driven environment

• Familiarity with university research processes (e.g. ethics finance research agreements)

• Experience supporting public-facing or government-funded research projects

• Lived experience relevant to the Labs focus on equity and access to public services