Research Assistant

UBC The University of British Columbia • Full-time • Vancouver General Hospital - Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, Canada • 5d ago

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Research Assistant

Department

Vancouver Spine Research Program | Department of Orthopaedics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

July 6, 2025

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

Job End Date

Jul 6, 2026

This position is 1 year in length 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 Description Summary

As a member of the Vancouver Spine Research Program (VSRP) at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the Research Assistant’s primary role is to provide support for research projects lead by Investigators of the Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute (VSSI).

Organizational Status

The UBC Department of Orthopaedics has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and patient care. Our mission is to create knowledge, advance learning, and improve musculoskeletal health for the community at provincial, national, and international levels. The Department consists of seven clinical divisions and a division of orthopaedic research, and is comprised of 200+ academic and clinical faculty who choose to contribute large blocks of their time to advance knowledge in the areas of clinical orthopaedics, musculoskeletal science as well as applied biomedical engineering and related basic science areas. This focus allows the Department to be at the forefront of exciting new developments in the areas of minimally invasive joint replacement, improved bone healing, advanced techniques in spinal surgery, innovative arthroscopic techniques, and improved biomaterials and implants.

The VSRP provides the research infrastructure for the VSSI. The Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager and may receive direction from Investigators. The Research Assistant will work closely with other research staff and will participate in activities within the VSRP.

Work Performed

Provides administrative support for a variety of research projects by: assisting with completion of study protocols; creating study documents such as participant consent and data collection forms; preparing and submitting applications to appropriate UBC research ethics boards; preparing and submitting documents to obtain hospital approval.
Assists with enrolment of potential research participants at VGH (Acute Spine Unit, Brenda and David McLean Integrated Spine Clinic, and other hospital departments) and at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre by introducing research studies to patients and their families, explaining the nature and requirements of the study, and obtaining consent to participate in research, as needed.
Performs data collection and enters clinical and scientific data into spreadsheets and databases, and manages data for specific studies, ensuring accuracy and integrity. Data for studies are stored in different formats including Excel, REDCap and other proprietary web-based software applications.
Maintains research study records in electronic and paper format ensuring that information is accurately completed and appropriately saved/filed.
Communicates with various personnel within the VSSI, with UBC and VCH (Vancouver Coastal Health) departments to facilitate completion of required research documents and approvals, coordinate ongoing research as required and answer inquiries regarding research studies.
Participates in other initiatives of the VSRP, including data quality improvement, administrative tasks, such as filing and photocopying, as well as maintenance of publication lists and investigator CVs, as required.
Communicates regularly with the Research Program Manager and/or periodically with Investigators about the status of research projects.
Performs other related duties for other projects, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Assistant exercises professional judgment and initiative in the conduct of and in coordinating clinical research studies. They will work with the Research Program Manager and with other members of the team to ensure that study procedures are performed consistent with the study protocol, applicable hospital procedures, ethical guidelines and regulatory policies. The Research Assistant is expected to work in a professional manner exercising poise and discretion especially when dealing with vulnerable patients and their families, and with sensitive medical information. Inappropriate disclosure of research participants’ personal information would contravene privacy legislation and could result in legal action. Errors in data, reference materials or publications, if detected, would result in delays and requirements for additional resources to obtain or validate data.

Supervision Received

The Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager, however, most duties will be carried out independently following appropriate training. They may be given direction by Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators. The Research Assistant will receive training, and guidance from senior research team members who are more familiar with the program’s standard operating procedures. Senior team member may provide supervision to ensure that study procedures for specific research studies are conducted appropriately.

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualification

Education: Undergraduate degree in health or medical sciences.

Experience: Experience in clinical research, particularly in administrative procedures such as preparation of REB applications and renewals, data collection, and data management an asset. Experience in approaching patients and their families in an acute hospital or outpatient setting, for the purpose of obtaining consent for research studies and completing required study procedures an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities, and adapt to various project requirements, as needed.

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to apply sound analytical skills, exercising initiative, good judgement, poise and discretion while working in an acute clinical environment.

• Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.

• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.

• Ability to be thorough, accurate and have a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate tasks.

• Ability to make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions.

• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.

• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous and effective manner.

• Ability to conduct research interviews to obtain accurate, complete, and relevant information.

• High degree of proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and internet applications and tools

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