Research And Teaching Assistant

Job Description

Swenam College is a research and career training institution regulated under the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills in British Columbia, Canada. Located in the heart of the Lower Mainland in Metrotown, Burnaby, the college is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and workforce-aligned education.

With a distinguished team of educators, researchers, and industry experts, Swenam College fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, applied research, and ethical leadership. The college is actively engaged in collaborative research initiatives with leading domestic and international institutions, particularly in drug discovery and cancer research, contributing to advancements with meaningful clinical and societal impact.

Role Description

Swenam College is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research and Teaching Assistant with a strong background in Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics to support both academic instruction and advanced research initiatives.

This is a full-time, on-site role involving a combination of teaching support, scientific research, and project coordination. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research focused on the development and evaluation of novel small-molecule compounds with potential anticancer activity, including studies on enzyme inhibition and mechanisms of apoptosis.

The candidate will work closely with faculty, students, and multiple collaborating research institutions, and will report directly to the Project Supervisor. This role requires strong organizational, scientific, and leadership skills to coordinate activities across institutions and ensure successful project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Academic Support

• Organize lecture materials and visual aids to support course delivery
• Facilitate seminars, tutorials, discussion groups, labs, and studio sessions
• Assist in preparing, administering, and invigilating exams
• Grade assignments, tests, and academic assessments
• Provide academic support to students during office hours
• Deliver lectures and lead classes in the absence of the instructor
• Manage and maintain online learning systems (LMS platforms)

Research & Project Coordination

• Conduct literature reviews, experimental work, and data collection for research projects
• Compile, organize, and assist in analyzing research data and results
• Contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles and scientific publications
• Support drug discovery and cancer-focused research initiatives in collaboration with partner institutions
• Coordinate research activities across multiple domestic and international collaborators
• Assist in managing timelines, documentation, and communication between research teams
• Support research reporting, documentation, and knowledge dissemination

Scientific & Technical Support

• Assist with experimental design and pharmacological studies and analysis
• Support analytical work involving NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and Mass Spectrometry (MassSpec) (preferred)
• Manage research-related digital platforms, databases, and documentation systems
• Assist in organizing academic conferences, presentations, and research dissemination activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Pharmacology (Master’s preferred)
• Strong background in Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
• Knowledge or experience in drug discovery, cancer biology, or molecular pharmacology
• Experience or familiarity with NMR and Mass Spectrometry (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to support both teaching and research environments
• Strong project management and coordination skills, especially across multiple institutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and external research partners
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic environments

Why Join Swenam College?

• Be part of a growing, research-driven institution in British Columbia
• Contribute to innovative drug discovery and cancer research projects
• Collaborate with leading researchers and institutions internationally
• Gain experience in both academic teaching and advanced scientific research
• Play a key role in high-impact, multidisciplinary research with real-world applications

Compensation

Compensation for this position will be competitive and aligned with labour market information from WorkBC for the Burnaby and Greater Vancouver region. Research and teaching assistant roles in post-secondary institutions and related scientific fields typically range between CAD $25 to $40 per hour, depending on qualifications, research experience, and technical expertise. Candidates with advanced knowledge in pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and analytical techniques such as NMR and Mass Spectrometry, as well as demonstrated project coordination experience, may be considered at the higher end of the range. Additional growth opportunities and performance-based progression may be available within the role.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates are invited to submit a single consolidated PDF application package including:

• Resume (CV)
• Cover Letter
• List of recent publications

Please send your application to: