Research Assistant

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryNon Union Technicians and Research AssistantsJob ProfileNon Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4Job TitleResearch AssistantDepartmentBrubacher Laboratory | Department of Emergency Medicine | Faculty of MedicineCompensation Range$5, $6,124.46 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateJuly 18, 2024

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

Job End Date

Jul 28, 2025

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.

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 Research Assistant will provide support to a national study for drug impaired driving that is running at participating hospitals across Canada. The incumbent will be involved in a full range of research activities including all aspects of data collection, data management and communication between the coordinator site at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and team members of other participating hospital sites. At VGH, the Research Assistant will be responsible for obtaining excess blood samples from medical lab after clinical use of injured drivers and conducting medical chart review. The research assistant will also manage the receiving and storage of blood samples from other hospitals.

Organizational Status

The vision of the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine is to be a provincially integrated Department committed to clinical, academic, and health care delivery leadership, founded in the creation and exchange of knowledge to improve emergency care. Our faculty members across the province have an impressive record of research and discovery related to prevention of emergencies, improving clinical care, and system improvements. Our Royal College residency training program, distributed across four program sites, is the largest in the country providing high-quality emergency training. The Department of Emergency Medicine has also played a leadership role in the development and implementation of the BC Emergency Medicine Network which integrates and translates knowledge and experiences to support emergency practitioners across the province.

This study is managed through the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine Research at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) to monitor drug use prevalence among injured drivers presented to an emergency department after a motor vehicle crash. This project has received funding from Health Canada and Transport Canada. Road Safety Research is one of the key strategy initiatives of the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine.

The research assistant is accountable to the Principal Investigator, and takes direction from Research Associate and the Project Manager. The successful candidate will be part of a research team consisted of clinician scientists, project coordinators, and co-op students.

Work Performed

• Identifies eligible research study participants.
• Conducts medical chart reviews.
• Acquires excess blood samples, as well as arranges delivery and storage of blood samples from other hospitals.
• Coordinates data collection and data management.
• Records, analyses and interprets study results, as well as preparing interim summary reports.
• Oversees shipment of blood samples and data collection from participating sites according to standard operating procedures
• Communicates with team members of other participating hospital sites
• Maintains inventory of samples sent and received, verifies receipt and correct labelling of samples, verifies appropriate payment of courier services
• Assists project manager with communication with study sponsors.
• Identifies issues with study conduct at participating hospital sites, and suggests solutions.
• Develops timelines to ensure tasks are completed on time.
• Reports on progress, and troubleshoots to ensure deadlines are met.
• Assists in the development and revision of study protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Conducts literature reviews including systematic reviews.
• Prepares first drafts of reports and scientific manuscripts.
• May be asked to participate in other ongoing studies
• Any other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent should be able to conduct all research activities in an ethical manner suited to the proper activities of VGH and UBC as well as to the professional organizations governing his or herself and those governing the activities of the Divisional Research Director and other investigators. The Research Assistant is expected to use excellent clinical judgement to inform the PI, Research Associate, and Project Manager of any unforeseen or abnormal outcomes, which could impact either the study or patient health. Data collected and recorded as part of a clinical study must be detailed and accurately reflect the work performed. Medical records and proprietary information are highly confidential and must be handled with the utmost discretion. Records are released only under strict supervision of PI. An error or incorrect decision when conducting a research project may result in a protocol violation, causing inappropriate data and skewed study results. This may have financial implications such as loss of funding. Inappropriate release of confidential information on study participants may have adverse legal implications.

Supervision Received

The incumbent will receive training and supervision from Research Associate and/or project manager and will perform assigned task independently after initial training.

Supervision Given

The incumbent will train new co-op students and volunteers. The incumbent will act as a resource to new co-op students and project staff at other hospital sites.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- 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

Education: An undergraduate degree in Life Science or relevant discipline is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of medical terminology and experience in using an electronic medical record system is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to exercise appropriate tact, discretion and confidentiality in all matters.
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a courteous, and effective manner.
• Ability to effectively use computer software, such as MS Word and MS Excel.
• Ability to learn new software, research methods, and work routines.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

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