The Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease (Can-SOLVE CKD) Network is Canada’s largest-ever kidney research initiative. Based in Vancouver, it is a national partnership of patients, researchers, health care providers, and policymakers working to transform treatment and care for Canadians affected by chronic kidney disease. The network advances patient-oriented kidney research through innovative projects shaped by patients’ experiences and priorities, while building resources and national infrastructure that strengthen Canada’s capacity to lead kidney health research.

Job Summary The Administrative Assistant provides complex operational, administrative, and research support to the Can-SOLVE CKD Operations Team. The role supports the network’s two patient councils - Indigenous Peoples Engagement and Research Council (IPERC) and the Patient Governance Council (PGC) -as well as various committees, research projects, and partner groups.

Key responsibilities include operations planning, information management, event and travel support, financial administration, and liaising with patient partner volunteers. The role also supports the Research Operations and Knowledge Translation Committee (ROCKeT) with annual review meetings and project-based meetings.

Because

Can-SOLVE CKD is a national research network involving many partner institutions, the Administrative Assistant must be comfortable working with flexibility and adaptability to meet diverse needs and working styles, managing competing priorities and strict deadlines, protecting confidential information, and collaborating with diverse partners across Canada. This role requires excellent organizational skills, accuracy and outstanding communication skills; maintaining professionalism, understanding, care and, decorum when working with patient partners from diverse and varied backgrounds who experience a wide range of health conditions.

Equity and diversity are essential to research and the work of Can-SOLVE CKD. 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 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 a person who identifies as First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous. Can-SOLVE CKD welcomes a broad range of applicants and accommodations are available for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Completion of Indigenous Cultural Competency training, such as San’yas will be required.

Can-SOLVE CKD is a national network, therefore, some travel will be required, mostly within Canada. The role will also require some flexibility in work hours from time-to-time, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed to ensure the success of Can-SOLVE CKD events. The position is a part time (15-20 hours per week), one-year contract role, with the possibility of renewal and extension subject to funding and performance.

Organizational Status

Can-SOLVE CKD is one of five chronic disease networks supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR). Funding is also provided by more than 60 partners, including provincial kidney care agencies, health charities, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. Since its inception,



the network has brought together more than 450 research team members and more than 75 patient partners across Canada, with an overall budget exceeding $50 million and 27 research projects.

The Administrative Assistant reports to the Executive Director, with day-to-day work assignments and direction provided Finance Manager. The Administrative Assistant works closely with the operations team and interacts with partners, including patient partners, researchers, academic institutions, and partner organizations across Canada. The role requires tact, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters and confidential information.

Work Performed

Network Administration

· Provides administrative support to the Operations Team, PGC, IPERC, ROCKeT committee, and other network structures.

· Oversees the calendar of events for the Network and Operations Team.

· Maintains accurate email lists, directories, records, filing systems, archival materials, software licence records, and cloud-based storage for the Network’s councils, working groups, research projects, and committees.

· Coordinates IT maintenance for office equipment and provides basic IT support.

· Liaises with building management and property staff about maintenance and office needs.

· Monitors the cultural competency training platform, responds to queries, and directs questions to the appropriate operations team member.

· Provides HR support by fielding online applications and organizing interviews.

· Contributes to a respectful, inclusive working environment.

· Facilitates grant application submissions and ensures required paperwork is filed for institutional approval.

· Purchases and maintains inventory for medical supplies for ongoing research projects.

· Assists with preparing and submitting grant applications, conference abstracts, poster presentations, and publications.

- Performs other duties as required.

Event Planning · Coordinates, organizes, and executes network workshops and events, including seminars, conferences, symposiums, and the national network-wide annual meeting.

· Researches and secures appropriate venues across Canada and the United States, and negotiates requirements with vendors and venues, including hotel rooms, meeting rooms, food and beverage, and audiovisual support.

· Coordinates event logistics, including preparing and distributing event information, responding to inquiries, preparing meeting rundowns, arranging venues and catering, coordinating IT and technician support, assembling and distributing workshop and conference materials, coordinating volunteers, providing on-site support, completing post-event follow-up, and preparing brief event reports.

· Works with the UBC Travel Agency to support travel requirements for conferences and meetings, including hotels, flights, and ground transportation for core staff and patient partners.

· Laises with patient partners to support their travel arrangements, travel cost reimbursements and processing of honoraria

Finance Support

· Ensures documentation is gathered accurately for requisitions, travel claims, honoraria, invoices, and credit card payments, and completes paperwork for financial processing.





· Coordinates accounts payable.

Co-creates budget models for grants.

· Monitors office expenses.

· Maintains accurate financial records and filing systems.

· Provides assistance to the Finance Manager as needed.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Can-SOLVE CKD is an interdisciplinary research network whose success depends on effective collaboration among diverse groups, meaningful engagement with patient partner volunteers, and strong relationships with partner organizations. The role requires initiative, creativity, sound judgment, and attention to detail. The incumbent must manage multiple complex tasks, often under strict deadlines, and seek clarification on project priorities, schedules, and resource requirements when needed.

Accuracy is essential because errors may negatively affect Network projects, the patient community, future funding, and the reputation of the Network and its partners. Tact, discretion, and advanced problem-solving skills are required to maintain effective working relationships.

Supervision Received The Research Assistant works independently under broad direction and minimal supervision. Work is performed within authorized prescribed limits and requires ongoing prioritization. Independent judgment must be exercised in selecting or interpreting information and reconciling deviations from standard methods.

Jobs are governed generally by broad instructions, objectives, and policies. Work pressures, peak periods, multiple demands, deadlines, and interruptions frequently affect task completion.

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications

High School graduation, plus a two-year post-secondary diploma, plus four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

· Experience working in a clinical research setting.

· Proven administrative experience in a large and complex organization.

· Strong organizational, problem-solving, planning, and analytical skills, with exceptional attention to detail.

· Experience managing projects that involve a variety of partners or stakeholders.

· High proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, project planning, and scheduling applications.

· Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and tactfully.

· Proficient in the use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and professional terminology.

· High degree of professionalism and excellent public relations and interpersonal skills when working with a diverse range of offices and organizations.

· Ability to compose correspondence and other written materials using clear and concise business English.

· Ability to work independently and cooperatively both within the Can-SOLVE CKD network community and with external stakeholders.

· Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.

· Ability to exercise judgment, tact, discretion and diplomacy.

· Proactive approach to managing conflicting priorities, with the ability to advise on and support resolutions.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications on or before November 16, 2026.

Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Pay: $30.00-$33.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15.0 – 20.0 per week

Work Location: In person

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