Research Assistant

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried – Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Assistant

Department
Tsang Laboratory Division of Cardiology Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$4,207.63 – $5,005.45 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
March 20, 2024

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

Job End Date

Mar 31, 2025

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

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 primary focus of the Research Assistant is to support the routine research activities of the VGH-UBC Artificial Intelligence Echo Core Lab. Responsibilities will include administrative support (e.g. drafting protocols), patient-related activities (e.g. identifying and enrolling study participants, scheduling appointments), basic data management (e.g. chart review, data coding and analysis), managing research equipment and ordering supplies, assisting with grant and manuscript preparation (e.g. literature searches, internal approvals and research administration tasks), and other related tasks as required.

Organizational Status

Part of the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at The University of British Columbia, the VGH-UBC Artificial Intelligence Echo Core Lab conducts research using echocardiography. It is augmented by in-house developed machine learning models. The lab provides data interpretation services, collaborations in AI model development, as well as protocol design to laboratories and researchers across the province.
Work Performed

·         Conducts basic literature searches using various indexes and databases.

·         Collects data for further analysis. Uses judgment to determine if the information is relevant to the study and follows up for clarification.

·         Assists with the preparation of materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.

·         Assists in developing interview questions.

·         Maintains accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects as necessary.

·         Provides ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or supervisor

·         Works under the direction of the PI to request or acquire equipment or supplies necessary for the project.

·         Monitors project-related emails and distributes to appropriate individuals.

·         Attends and coordinates project meetings.

·         Assists in the preparation of progress reports.

·         Codes and verifies data in accordance with specified research protocols and coding procedures. Enters data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis

·         Assists in the development of interview schedules; contacts potential subjects to introduce and explain study objectives and protocol and to arrange interviews, either in person or by telephone.

·         Conducts and records face-to-face and/or telephone interviews with subjects in accordance with predetermined interview protocol, data collection procedures and documentation standards

·         May set up, calibrate and maintain laboratory and/or field research equipment as specified by the requirements of the study.

·         Summarizes data for progress reports.

·         Carries out other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.
 

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors made in this position can impede the progress of the project and cause adverse relationships with partners, decision-makers, and funding agencies and may compromise the positive promotion of the project. Errors or incorrect decisions could potentially result in delays in completing aspects of the project or compromise the quality of the project. Errors in judgment or breaches in study protocol could negatively impact the reputation of the PI, the department, and the Faculty.
Supervision Received

Reports directly to and takes direction from the PI.

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.
– 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

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Ability to compose drafts and documents in clear, concise business English

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to think critically and evaluate data.

• Ability to use standard office and laboratory equipment, e.g., MS Word, REDcap, Qualtrics, etc., required to properly carry out tasks.

• Ability to conduct statistical and graphical analysis of data at an appropriate level.

• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

• Ability to plan and schedule using standard applications.

• Ability to conduct patient interviews according to study guidelines and protocols.

• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of tact, discretion, and sensitivity.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with equal proficiency in inter-professional communication and communications with individuals from varying backgrounds.