Research Assistant

Staff – Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Hourly – Research Assistant /Technician 1

Job Title
Research Assistant

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

Compensation Range
$22.03 – $24.18 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date
November 22, 2022

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

Job End Date

Dec 31, 2023

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.

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

Job Summary
As a member of the Vancouver Spine Research Program at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the Research Assistant provides administrative support for projects conducted by the Vancouver Spine Research Program.
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 the 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 Vancouver Spine Research Program provides the research infrastructure for physicians and allied health professionals in the Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute (formerly the Combined Neurosurgical & Orthopaedic Spine Program). The Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager and will work closely with other research staff and will participate in activities within the Spine Research Program.

Work Performed

• Assists with routine tasks related to data collection, preparation of research documents and mail-outs, and other administrative research duties.

• Enters clinical and scientific data into spreadsheets and databases, ensuring accuracy and integrity. Data for studies are stored in different formats including Excel, Access-based programs and proprietary web-based software applications.

• Communicates with various personnel within the Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, 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.

• Prepares research data based on specific requirements of research studies and upon consultation with senior research staff, in preparation for statistical analysis.

• Participates in other initiatives of the Vancouver Spine Research Program, including data quality improvement, and in ongoing training and development as required.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Assistant 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 sensitive medical information.

Inappropriate disclosure of subjects’ 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 may be assigned by senior study coordinators or research assistants. The research assistant will receive training and guidance from senior research coordinators/assistants, who are more familiar with the program’s standard operating procedures and with specific research studies
Supervision Given
None.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate degree in health or medical sciences an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate and organize tasks.

• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.

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

• Ability to effectively use computer applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel at an intermediate level.