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 Description Summary:
To assist and/or coordinate Research and Quality Improvement projects at the H-Behaviours Research Lab of Dr. Osman S. Ipsiroglu at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute.
The research at the H-Behaviours Research Lab addresses the growing clinical and public health concern of unaddressed sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and Down syndrome, with a particular focus on narrative and observation-based clinical assessments and medication strategies. We focus on unraveling the contextual factors that affect sleep and wake behaviors on child development and mental health; our team has shown that missed sleep problems lead to a cascade of diagnoses and medication prescriptions, complicating the presentation of the neurodevelopmental condition.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
The Research Assistant reports directly to Dr. Ipsiroglu. Interacts with research team members, faculty, project managers, and other personnel associated with the specific project and may interact with community organizations, health professionals, clinical groups, patients and community members, government representatives, and other stakeholder groups.
WORK PERFORMED
The Research Assistant will work on research and quality improvement projects involving quantitative and qualitative methods.
Duties include:
1) Collection and analysis of data to be submitted to senior members of the research team for there analysis. Assists with communication with patients and families regarding ongoing quality improvement activities and potential opportunities to participant in clinical research of clinical care.
2) Ensure that quantitative and qualitative data quality are maintained throughout all aspects of data collection, processing, and management.
3) Assisting in the creation of REDCap surveys and other data collection databases for implementation in projects.
4) Assisting in planning and coordinating projects with the team, including organizing and documenting meetings and communicating with diverse project partners.
5) Conducting literature searches, reviewing and assisting with the synthesis of literature
6) Administrative duties.
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR
This position requires working effectively within an organizational structure as well as a high degree of self-direction. The research assistant will be required to show judgment and decision-making, which has the potential to impact the reputation of the H-Behaviours Research Lab, and the opportunity for future research development.
The direction of the research initiatives will be discussed at regular meetings with Dr. Ipsiroglu and the project team. Regular reporting will also be required to the project team and stakeholder groups as defined by each specific research project component.
The exercise of poor judgment and lack of consultation with supervisors could adversely affect the viability and validity of the research project or program. It may lead to the suspension of studies. Continued adverse effects on the lab's research projects could negatively affect the ability of the lab to obtain funding for future research projects.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the supervision of Dr. Ipsiroglu. Receives instructions for new assignments and for changes in procedures. Carries out duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision—all final products are to be checked by Dr. Ipsiroglu.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
May distribute work assignments to team members (e.g., students) and train new employees.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school graduation and a minimum one year 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
Computer Skills Required: MS Office, data analysis software. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to show initiative and judgment. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to exercise calmness, patience, and flexibility.
UBC hires based on merit and is firmly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage with diverse communities productively. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
