Research Associate

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 Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre (PPRC) is dedicated to the clinical treatment and research related to Parkinson’s disease. We are seeking a Research Associate with expertise in Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis, signal processing, and quantitative neuroscience to support ongoing research programs focused on Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The Research Associate reports directly to the Principal Investigator (PI).

WORK PERFORMED

• Developing and implementing advanced neurophysiological signal‑processing and computational models to analyze EEG data and extract clinically meaningful biomarkers related to neurological disorders.
• Conduct research on EEG preprocessing, artifact removal, and denoising to improve data quality.
• Develop and implement advanced algorithms for analyzing neurophysiological signals and extracting clinically meaningful biomarkers.
• Apply advanced EEG analysis methods to study neural responses during electrical brain stimulation, including expertise in Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) and the characterization of EEG dynamics under stimulation protocols.
• Integrate computational modeling and machine learning approaches to enable robust biomarker discovery, validation, and evaluation of disease‑related neural changes.
• Apply comprehensive EEG signal‑processing frameworks to characterize neural dynamics and quantify disease‑related alterations in patient populations.
• Design and conduct experiments in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams; support data collection and analysis.
• Prepare and present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and academic meetings.
• Contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, and grant proposals.
• Participate in dissemination activities, including tutorials, training sessions, and collaborative workshops.
• Stay current with advancements in EEG signal processing, computational neuroscience, and related technologies.
• Mentor junior researchers and support lab operations as needed.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned

  CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR/JUDGEMENT

  The incumbent may have access to confidential data. The quality of work performed will determine the success of future projects and funding. Exercising poor judgement and lack of appropriate consultation with research team members and supervisors can adversely affect the viability and validity of research projects or programs, and may compromise the UBC Division’s and Department’s ability to secure grant-based funding for future research projects.

  SUPERVISION RECEIVED

  The individual in this position will report directly to the PI regarding research activities and data analysis. The incumbent will require minimal supervision and will exercise independent judgment regarding scheduling and timely completion of tasks.

  SUPERVISION GIVEN

  Supervises Research Assistants, Graduate and/or Undergraduate students.

  QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong educational background: A Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, physics, electrical engineering, neuroscience, or a related field, plus a minimum of 10 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Solid technical skills: Strong expertise in signal processing, quantitative analysis and machine learning.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB is essential. Experience working with big databases and have completed requirements to all PHSA pre-requisitions for working with human data.
  • Experience in health‑related research or clinical neuroscience is an asset.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills: Ability to identify critical scientific questions in the health sector and apply appropriate analytical methods to address them.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills: Must be able to communicate effectively with researchers, clinicians, and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Leadership skills: Experience mentoring junior researchers and contributing to team‑based scientific environments. Must display advanced organizational and administrative skills.
  • Must have experience with / or been responsible for data analyses, writing of manuscripts, preparation of figures, and publication of data, as demonstrated in candidates’ publications.
  • Must have good interpersonal skills, be motivated, adaptable to a changing work environment and be energetic with a solid work ethic.
  • Project management: Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple research projects effectively.
  • Flexibility and adaptability: Ability to adopt new research methods, technologies, and analytical approaches as needed.
  • Continuous learning: Must be inquisitive and eager to learn new skills and knowledge to stay current in their field and improve their research skills.

    The expected pay for this full-time position is $76,128 CAD per year.

    UBC – One of the World’s Leading Universities.

    As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

    UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged 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, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.